Spring Lake Dam

Spring Lake Dam. . , It might not look like one at first glance, but behind the cypress trees and steakhouse is one of the oldest dams in Texas. In 1849, General Edward Burleson constructed a "crib and rock" dam at the headwaters of the San Marcos River to power a saw and grist mill. This dam resulted in the formation of Spring Lake above the San Marcos Springs. Since then, Spring Lake Dam has continued to serve an important role in San Marcos, including power generation for the City and the creation of the Aquarena Springs theme park. The dam not only holds a historical significance, but an ecological one as well. The upper San Marcos River is one of the most diverse aquatic ecosystems in the United States, and Spring Lake serves as critical habitat for eight endangered species. Texas State University purchased the property in 1994 and has worked since then to convert Spring Lake and the surrounding area into an educational center and ecological preserve., Status as of Summer 2017 , Over its 123-year lifetime, Spring Lake Dam has been modified and repaired on several occasions. However, the rock and crib dam remains mostly unchanged since its original construction. Portions of the dam were damaged as a result of the significant floods which have occurred over the past few years. Texas State University is currently working with the partners listed below on a plan for repairs and modernization of the dam. Because of its historical significance, ecological importance, and value to the community of San Marcos, the project will require input from many stakeholders and regulatory authorities. Texas State University and its partners are committed to long-term stewardship of Spring Lake Dam and the preservation of the head waters of the San Marcos River as an important resource for the entire community., Partners , The Meadows Center , City of San Marcos , Freese Nichols , FEMA
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service , U.S. Army Corps of Engineers