Lady Bird Lake, and the natural ecosystems that it supports, are a unique urban oasis in an otherwise urban landscape. The riparian zones (the Critical Water Quality Zones) are intended to provide spaces where urban wildlife and native plants and trees can survive and support the ecological health of Austin's water bodies.
The riparian zones provide "critical" protections for Lady Bird Lakes's water quality, creating natural filters to help prevent pollution, sediment, and excess nutrients from entering into the lake. One would think that, given the recent increase in harmful cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), the City of Austin would show concern for further threats to systems that protect the lake's water quality.
Unfortunately, the Trail Conservancy has targeted these Critical Water Quality Zones for more pavement. They are pushing an expansion of the Butler Trail (with hard pavement) of unspecified widths, and they are requesting that the City Council remove requirements to repair the environmental damage caused to these areas by their expanded trails.
Widening the trails will necessarily involve the removal of native plants and trees that help stabilize the banks of the lake. The additional pavement will also increase the flow of stormwater runoff, leading to more erosion. Removing plants and adding pavement also increases the urban heat island effect and reduces shade.
The Trail Conservancy should be more concerned about the ecological health of the areas where it is building trails. These code amendments are unnecessary and harmful to the ecological health of Lady Bird Lake. Alternatives should be considered that don't require trail expansion, at least not within the Critical Water Quality Zones.
Our letter to the Mayor of Austin, City Manager, and City Council is provided below. Please take a moment to send your own letter urging them to prioritize safeguards for our trail and water resources: