|
|
| Central Texas Surfrider Alert |
Open Beaches Act added to the Texas Constitution!
Proposition 9 was approved by approximately 75% of the voters in Texas on November 3. The public now has their right of access to the beach further protected.
A big thanks to everyone who supported this and also all the extra efforts that were made to communicate the issue.
Because of this amendment, ours and future generations will enjoy the Texas coastline without being forced into crowded "pocket" beach parks.
Challenges will continue to arise due to events that change the nature of the coastline, but with this amendment now added to the Texas Constitution the public's right to beach access has significantly improved.
|
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. One of the 80 chapters worldwide, ours was founded in the summer 2000 by environmentally conscious surfers in Austin, Texas. We welcome people of all ages who are interested in helping work toward our goals. The ability to surf is not a requirement.
|
| Next Meeting -
December 8 |
Monthly Meeting Second Tuesday of Each Month
6:30 Social Hour/7:30 Meeting
WEST 6TH
509 Rio Grande Street 
|
Texas General Land Office launches TexasBeachAccess.org
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has released detailed maps showing post-Ike boundaries with the launch of the new website, TexasBeachAccess.org.
This represents a transition from the temporary 4.5' elevation line used to determine the boundary of the public beach after Hurricane Ike. The new maps on
TexasBeachAccess.org show the post-Ike boundary of the coast, as determined by the Texas Open Beaches Act.
The full press release announcing post-Ike boundaries and stating the current position regarding structures on the public beach can also be found on the website.
|
International Surfing Day Celebrated in Austin, June 20
Central Texas Surfrider Chapter marked International Surfing Day, June 20th, in Austin with a clean-up of Barton Creek below Barton Springs Pool.
A big thanks to all that sacrificed that trip to the coast to celebrate locally and make one of Austin's favorite water spots more special.
Following the clean-up, food was provided by Wahoo's Fish Taco and beverages from Monster Energy Drink.
|
|
New Executive Committee Members and Officers
Recent Elections were held for new members of the executive committee and the executive committee has elected officers for the next two years.
Executive Committee members: Nick Wiersema, Manny Alvarez, Bill Morris, Kristina Schlegel, and, our newest member, Jennifer Morris. Jennifer and her father Bill have been long time members, continually providing enthusiastic support at chapter functions.
New Officers:
Manny Alvarez - Vice Chairman
Bill Morris - Treasurer
Kristina Schlegel – Secretary
Jennifer Morris – Volunteer Coordinator
Officer contact info is located below.
|
Texas Open Beaches Act
Public Beaches
The state of Texas has some 367 miles of Gulf coast beaches. The Texas Open Beaches Act guarantees the public “free and unrestricted access to and use of the beach”. Since the time when Texas was an independent Republic the “wet sand” beach from the line of the low tide to the line of the high tide has been by common law “sovereign”,that is state owned public land. In 1959 the Texas Legislature passed the landmark Texas Open Beaches Act which officially established the right to recreational use of our beaches and tidal waters. Texas beaches are enjoyed by millions of people every year. Families, picnickers, campers, fishermen, surfers, birdwatchers and beachcombers are all guaranteed access to and use of the beach.
What This Means for Texas Beach Users
Basically, the beach washed by the daily tides is public land owned by the state of Texas. The rest of the beach from the high tide line up to the first line of vegetation (often but not always the dune line) may be privately owned but is subject to a public easement which means the public is free to use and enjoy the whole beach. Beachfront property owners may build landward beyond the line of vegetations but no private structure may be on the public beach. Counties and local communities are responsible for keeping the beaches clean and safe and may charge a reasonable access fee to help pay for services. If driving on the beach is restricted, pedestrian access must be provided. The Texas General Land Office administers all public land in Texas and is responsible for seeing that the Open Beaches Act is enforced.
The Texas Open Beaches Act is Threatened
Our Gulf Coast beaches are barrier islands made of sand. Currents, tides, storms and man made additions such as sea walls, jetties and channels all cause the sand to move and the beach to erode in some areas and grow in others. This is a natural process that has been happening for thousands of years. Anyone who builds along the beach, especially in Texas, takes a chance that natural forces will move the beach. Along the upper Texas coast erosion has left over 100 private structures, once behind the vegetation line, now sitting illegally on the public beach. Most of these property owners are understandably upset and fighting the state to prevent the removal of their beach houses. They blame their predicament on the Open Beaches Act and want to have it changed to allow private ownership of the public beach. They are joined by other beachfront property owners who wish to limit public access to the beach giving them in effect, a private beach.
You Can Help Protect the Open Beaches Act
-- Write, call or e-mail the Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, your state representative and state senator and tell them you support the Texas Open Beaches Act. Our elected officials listen to their constituents and you opinion matters.
| |
|
|
Sign up for our email list
