There are so many creatures along the Lampasas River that are sometimes taken for granted. When I visit other rivers and streams and see the degradation that has crept up because good people were not aware that what they were allowing or doing themselves was harmful to the balance that Mother Nature tries to maintain. I have learned that those degraded rivers do not have the creatures that are present in the Lampasas River Valley.
A not so known fact is that the Lampasas River is home to families of Nutria and Beavers. They come out into the river at dusk and are natures little weed whackers that work the night shift. The river bottoms are also home to Summer Tanagers, Screech Owls, many varieties of woodpeckers and Osprey, also know as "Fish Hawks", they only eat fish. Chickadee and Titmice also favor the river bottoms and nest in the trees along the river.
When the Lightening Bugs/Fireflies appear you know it is Summer, just as the Goldenrods are a sure sign that Fall is in the air. Most children today have never seen a Firefly, misuse of pesticides in some areas have eliminated them.
We at STLR want this Lampasas River Valley to be an example of what private landowners can achieve. We as caretakers of this land can make this a model for other groups to mimic. We plan helpful workshops to give landowners the knowledge they may be seeking. We want the recreational users of the river to have a healthy place to swim and fish. A healthy river means excellent fishing
Although we don't live directly on the river, we sure have enjoyed it thru the years -- whether it was fishing or swimming. Our teenage boys have tubed the river several times when the water is flowing quick enough. We cross the river daily on FM 2657 and you can't help but look to see how much water is flowing (or not flowing sometimes!). We're glad to be a part in preserving it's natural beauty and resources!
we've kayaked the lampasas 4 times this year. did Kempner to 195, Oakalla to 195 twice (thanks John and Carole Gedelman for the use of your property one time) and 195 to Gravel Crossing. i don't recommend the Gravel Crossing trip - the last 2 miles are flat and really slow, though there's a nice little chute at the old iron bridge in Youngsport. it's nice to see there are no fences across this part of the river - we ran it from Rumley to Kempner a couple of years ago and ran into 2 barbed wire fences, which can be very dangerous if the river's moving.
We are fortunate enough to have a stretch of the Lampasas River adjoining our property, which is about mid distance from Maxdale and Okalla and across the river from a part of the Parrie Haynes Ranch. It is exciting to see the kids from Camp Coke enjoying the river as well as seeing the increasing number of kayakers and canoers also enjoying the Lampasas.
I grew up on the river and have to say that preserving it for my children is a big thing to me. Not only is it beautiful but a fun place to spend weekends during the summer.
Lynn and Doug,
Thanks to your efforts and the efforts of 400+ close, concerned friends, the Lampasas River Valley has never looked better. With more than the normal amount of rain the last couple months, streams are flowing, wildlife is flourishing, and the valley truly looks like a "green valley" instead of the "normal" brown/tan of July. It even looks like the farmers/ranchers will get a second cutting of hay before the end of July and maybe even a third cutting before the end of the growing season. The valley's future will look even brighter if we all become better stewards of the land, work toward improving water quality, and seriously practice wildlife conservation. I'd like to see more Red and White Signs (STLR Membership Signs) on the gates and fences along Bell, Burnet, and Lampasas county roads in the valley. I'm looking forward to seeing a lot more STLR membership signs along Highway 2657. We need the assistance of new STLR members and the entire community to help protect the river valley environment. Also, would like to publicly thank the two of you for your leadership of STLR and friendship. We believe that you have STLR headed in the right direction. Thanks again. John & Carolyn
My husband and I are looking forward to a great new year for Save the Lampasas River, Inc. We invite all of you to join and receive our new metal signs that speak with pride for our work to save this precious River Valley for future generations. We have truly enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful folks in Lampasas, Burnet and Bell Counties this year!!!