Horseshoe Bay clarifies water restrictions; talks deer control

Horseshoe Bay clarifies water restrictions; talks deer control Tracy Goggans Contributing Writer Fri, 04/26/2024 - 02:46 Image Body

The Horseshoe Bay City Council recently discussed deer trapping for road safety as well as addressed citizen concerns over a stricter irrigation policy.

The council met April 16 for their regularly scheduled meeting at Horseshoe Bay City Hall, 1 Community Drive.

Council member Dwight King broached the subject about the amount of citizen questions being expressed on the upcoming water restrictions on irrigation in connection with the value placed on landscaping.

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Board of Directors in February approved a new requirement that limits outdoor watering to no more than once a week due to the drought. The new watering restrictions applies to cities and businesses which buy water from LCRA.

City Manager Jeff Koska said, “We learned in our workshop the best way to water is not an hour in each zone but to split it out. It was emphasized that the city will release a primer educating citizens how to maximize their irrigating with a one day per week water restriction.”

Ramping up calls water conservation coincides with the council proclaiming May 5-11 “Drinking Water Week” at the meeting.

Interim Utilities Director Ray Garcia said,“Water is one of our most precious and valuable resources that we must ensure is protected from pollution and wasteful use.”

Mayor Elise Thurman added,” The timing of this is very apropos considering drought restrictions go into effect May 1.”

Deer Trapping

Also, during the meeting, the mayor expressed the need for community awareness on the signifi cant deer issue facing residents of Horseshoe Bay, but no action will be taken at the time.

Information shared at the meeting included the concern that without deer trapping approximately 500-600 automobile collisions occur per year on FM 2147 West posing a safety threat to motorists.

The ongoing drought temporarily halted deer trapping the last two years with the dip in the deer population, officials said.

Koska stated,’’We began this program almost 20 years ago trapping between 200-400 deer per year.” He added that, “The herd was out of control, and they were not healthy.”

He offered more insight about the fate of the captured deer.

“All of the deer are processed and given to food banks helping the community and we will continue to use 2147 as the benchmark to move forward with it,” Koska said.

Having used nets as their method of trapping, other newer methods are being explored.

Assistant Police Chief Jason Graham stated, “Technologies have advanced and determined trapping is still the best choice for a community our size proposing animal control handle the deer trapping.” Funds from this fiscal year will be used to purchase improved methods and equipment for trapping in 2025.

The council holds their next regular meeting May 21 at 3 p.m.