Property owners near the 3rd Crossing of the Frio River affected by litter, trespassing and disrespectful river goers.
by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
Top Picture: Boulders marred by red paint graffiti seen near the banks of the Frio River
During the peak summer season, the 3rd Crossing of the Frio River is a favorite spot for many to get into the river to float, set up canopies and party. According to Gretchen Walter whose family owns property on the banks of the Frio River near the 3rd Crossing of CR 348 also known as River Road on any given Friday or Saturday during the peak summer months, she estimates there could be approximately 1000 people gathered or dropped off at that river location.
Walter’s family and several other neighbors also own property bordering on the river at that location. While most people are respectful and follow the laws, she said (paraphrased) the percentage of those who trespass onto private property. litter, and are generally disruptive is alarmingly high. So much so Walter and the other neighboring property owners have organized a group to collectively fund one to two off duty police officers Thursday through Saturday to keep an eye on the crossing area and their respective properties.
The Uvalde Hesperian met up with Walter Thursday, July 20th, at the 3rd crossing. She was willing to provide a tour to the Uvalde Hesperian of the river banks where litter is a constant problem. Earlier that morning, she walked the banks of the river and collected dirty diapers, used tampons, a broken folding chair as well as a large bag of various trash left behind. While the Texas Hill Country River Region conducts a weekly river cleanup effort, she indicated that it’s not enough stating that she and other private property owners have to do their own clean ups as litter accumulated very quickly.
Just past the Gravel Bar area at a popular section of the river she showed where a rope swing attached to a tree on the bank was cut by the property owner as it was on private property and the water below was too shallow to be safe thus posing a liability concern. This summer near where the rope swing was, vandals spray painted boulders on the banks of the Frio River possibly in retaliation for the removal of the swing.
Walter had also been busy erecting new fencing on a neighbor’s property line where a portion of it had been broken down by trespassers making their way onto well established trails created by hundreds if not thousands of trespassers over the years. Walters stated the damage done by the many trespassers has resulted in barren areas of ground which is now prone to erosion from flood waters which could wash away. sediment from the banks of the river.
As we were walking these well trodden pathways near the river, she visited with visitors on the river below welcoming them to the Frio River. She said several times she loves it when people who are respectful and follow the rules come to the River.
As a long time property owner of the area, she stated she has seen a surge in river goers who are not respectful to landowners and others.
In addition to littering and trespassing being a prevalent problem, she said that on the river when trucks drive over the crossing so as to create a splash, she has seen women in the water below lift up their tops exposing their bare breasts.
She said a bill was introduced in the Texas House this Legislative session which, if passed, would allow for Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT Tax) revenue to be used to fund police and security. She went on to say that the bill and other bills were put on hold when the Ken Paxton impeachment proceedings took center stage.
When discussing other property she along with family owns, they face a constant problem of people trespassing and poaching.
Walters explained her family’s property has been owned for generations from 1941. While a few of the neighboring property owners do rent houses and cabins out, many just want to enjoy their land in peace.
