Letter To The Editor: Capes Dam

While there is no doubt that the dam needs repair, removing it altogether is both wasteful and disgraceful….

Dear Editor,

I usually try to stay out of politically intense debates, especially when it concerns a local matter, but it’s time to separate shadow from shade and address a dam issue here in San Marcos, that is Capes Dam.

The general area of the Mill Race and Capes Dam is a natural feature and has been modified by human interaction as the city has grown around it. While there is no doubt that the dam needs repair, removing it altogether is both wasteful and disgraceful.

First, it is a native species habitat, which was once a natural divide in the river and was modified many years ago, but the flora, fauna and other species that reside there now are flourishing. What is the benefit of disturbing their habitat?

Second, it is frequented by many people. If it was just some dirty bend of the river, out of the way, out the spot light, people wouldn’t care so much. However, so many impassioned pleas have been made to save this peaceful and historic slow circuit of river, preserving the access and use of it for veterans, boy scouts, weaker swimmers, and people who enjoy its tranquility. That is why it is incumbent upon us, to lend greater weight to the needs of the people.

Third, the claim that it is better for the animal and plant species, the river and the city budget to remove the Capes Dam altogether has not been fully proven.

The engineering for the removal or repair of Capes Dam is still on the drawing board and it seems early estimates of costs are based on very little science and mostly conjecture.

As I was writing this, it was the two-year anniversary of our river regions greatest recent tragedy and I am reminded that though we may tell ourselves “we have power over the river”, we are never in control of it.

We can no more tell the river what to do or where to be, any more than we could tell the tides of the ocean to stay out. Forget trying to tell the river how to behave and remember the people.

That small circuit of the river, is a place of communion for the people. It is a place to enjoy the natural beauty of life and humans have congregated in this area for thousands of years. Removing the dam takes river access away from people who cannot otherwise safely enter, exit or enjoy the river as countless others can and have. 

It is our duty as stewards of the river, to protect the river, but also preserve access for all.

We are a resourceful generation and I believe that we can find an engineering plan that is at a reasonable cost that will make the dam safe without removing it.

Shouldn’t we at least get a few bids from local companies capable of rescuing it from disrepair or destruction?

Isn’t the history and generations of memories of the people enjoying it as kids, or with their kids, or the well-being of veterans who go there to enjoy the stillness of peace, important?

If the dam is removed, it may or may not affect native species, the difference is marginal. Removing the dam will absolutely speed up the rate of water flow and dry up the mill race.

This would mean that countless people would no longer have safe access for river entry and exit. The Mill Race and Capes Dam are more important than a dam study, or a dam grant.

Let’s tell the City of San Marcos leadership to find another option, because this dam problem is not going away.

You can send an email to the San Marcos Mayor and City Council at Mayor_Council_Info@sanmarcostx.gov

Respectfully,

Christie Maycock,  San Marcos