HCC Paddling Forum

I've just heard from Mr. Goynes about this year's SMR clean-up. Here's the story:

The San Marcos River Clean Up

53rd Annual March 2, 2024

On Saturday, March 2, 2024, folks from all over Texas will be participating in the world's oldest and longest river clean up. We will be picking up trash along most of the San Marcos River (60- 90 miles depending on how many canoe racers show up). From San Marcos downstream all the way to Gonzales, canoeists, kayakers and rafters will be cleaning the river and the banks. 

WHITEWATER PADDLERS

There are some sections of river that require whitewater skills. For those sections, only persons capable of handling a canoe full of trash in whitewater should volunteer. This is primarily for section 2, 7 and 8.

CANOE RACING ENTHUSIASTS  Some sections of river, like Luling to Gonzales, have long stretches with few bridge crossings and for that reason, we are asking canoe racers (especially teams that have competed in the Texas Water Safari) to volunteer for section 10.

FREE CAMPING (haven’t asked the Spencers yet)

Everyone participating in this event is invited to camp free at either Shady Grove Campground/ Spencer Canoes (they are offering one free night of camping for volunteers) or at the San Marcos River Retreat Reservations required. For Shady Grove call: 512-357-6113. For the San Marcos River Retreat e-mail tomgoynes@mac.com or call: 512-787-5574 (if you are not a member of the TRPA you may have to text me or leave a voicemail).

FREE BEER! (very tentative)

Every volunteer will receive a coupon for a free draft beer from Roughhouse Brewing in San Marcos! To qualify for a coupon, you need to register with one of our section leaders, by February 28. Thanks to our sponsor, Roughhouse Brewing, 680 Oakwood Loop, San Marcos, Texas 78666

Tel: 512.667.7000  info@roughhousebrewing.com

MEAL SATURDAY NIGHT, March 2!

Starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday evening there will be a BBQ at the chapel at the San Marcos River Retreat. We are asking that everyone who wants to eat to register with their section leader by February 28. We are also asking folks to please bring a plate, a cup, and utensils (we are trying to generate less trash). We are asking anyone who would like to provide a dessert (either a dutch oven or baked good) to please bring it.

MEETING TIMES AND SHUTTLES 

Everyone is expected to contact the section leader for the stretch of river he or she intends to clean and reserve a spot on that team. That leader will keep a list of volunteers and also make a note of folks who intend to receive a to-go plate of BBQ. The section leader will tell all the members in their group where they will meet on the morning of March 2. At that meeting, trash bags will be handed out and shuttles will be arranged.

PRE-REGISTRATION: IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT EVERYONE PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT PRE-REGISTER BY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 (ESPECIALLY IF YOU WANT A TO EAT BBQ). YOU MUST CONTACT A SECTION LEADER TO PRE-REGISTER. AND YOU SHOULD LET THE LEADER KNOW IF YOU CHANGE YOUR PLANS AND CAN’T PARTICIPATE

RIVER SECTION LISTINGS: 

1. Thompson's Island to The San Marcos River Retreat (3.5 miles) 

This is an all day clean up, volunteers should plan on being on the river until about 4 p.m. Volunteers are guaranteed to experience trash jams that resemble the trash compactor (complete with monster) from the original Star Wars movie. This section of river is not recommended for the faint of heart.

Section leader: The Eyes of the San Marcos River

2. San Marcos River Retreat to Sculls Crossing (4 miles).

This is a whitewater section of river. If you don’t know what a draw is, don’t choose this section.

Section leader: Grace Arianoutsos gracegreek@yahoo.com

3. Sculls Crossing to Spencer Canoes (2 mi.) 

This section involves carrying your canoe around Martindale Dam. And a little bit of moving water from the dam to Spencer Canoes

This section has been adopted by the San Marcos River Ranch katybrantley@gmail.com

4. Spencer Canoes to Staples - Hwy 1977 (5 miles)

This section is being cleaned by the Informal River Bureaucracy (aka Jeff Pine and friends) and they have enough volunteers 

5. Staples to Fentress - Hwy 20 (9 miles) 

Section Leader: Dallas Downriver Club, Bryan Jackson, 

FCO@down-river.com 972-979-2519

6. Fentress to Prairie Lea 1 (2miles)

Some fast moving water; some trees in the river.

Section Leader: Susan Eda  susaneda@mac.com 713-203-2452

7. Prairie Lea 1 to Stairtown (5 miles) 

Some fast moving water; some trees in the river.

Section Leader: Josh Sarkardehi, jsarkardehi@gmail.com

8. Stairtown to Luling - Hwy 90 (6.5miles) 

Some fast moving water; some trees in the river.

Section Leader: Jeannette Burris, mmball1@sbcglobal.net

9. Hwy 90 to Zedler Dam (6 mi.) A TPWD paddling trail

Some fast moving water; some trees in the river.

Section Leader: Greater Houston Kayakers, Paddlesports & Outdoors

Kenny Sharpless  kenny.sharpless@hotmail.com (281)222-4659

10. Zedler Dam to Gonzales (a long way)

Long hard stretch for people with the Water Safari on their mind (in other words, for crazy people).

Section Leader: sandyonley@hotmail.com 

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: to the San Marcos River Retreat 

On google maps we show up as the “San Marcos River Scout Camp.”

Coming from Interstate 35 in San Marcos, get on Highway 80 and head toward Luling for 1.8 miles. Take a right on county road 101. Take an immediate left onto county road 102. Go 1/2 mile on 102 and take a right on Pecan Park road. Keep going straight (past TG Canoes and Kayaks) and the road will end at the San Marcos River Retreat office. For more info visit

our website at San Marcos River Retreat 

Tom Goynes  tomgoynes@mac.com

Grace Arianoutsos will be the section leader for HCC's traditional segment, but anyone can join any section. If someone wants to be head cat herder for HCC, they can give Grace the count. Her number is in the first posting. Please figure out if you're coming, and let her know a solid "yes", by the preceding Wednesday. (Tuesday would be better!) Last minute cancellations and additions wreak havoc with the cooks and camping space coordinators.

Recognizing the long evolution of the annual cleanup on the San Marcos River, which is now in its 52^nd year, the organizers of the event are changing its formal name from “The Great Texas River Cleanup” to “San Marcos River Rendezvous”. But the fun, food, camaraderie, and benefit to the environment will remain unchanged. Make sure that you have this on your calendar for Saturday March 2, 2024.

For more information, check out Frank Ohrt’s October 10 postings to the HCC Paddling Forum. 

San Marcos River cleanup day is THIS SATURDAY. If you haven't already registered, now is the time to do it. For more information, see earlier entries on the HCC Paddling Forum or visit the website at https://txrivers.org/texas-river-blog/38th-annual-texas-river-clean-up/.