The City of Laredo has undertaken an ambitious project of reclaiming riverfront property for economic redevelopment, as well as and more importantly, the development of green spaces that consist of a complex network of nature trails and wildlife sanctuaries, that will allow the community to enjoy the unique environment of South Texas.

Due to increased trade with Mexico, Laredo has increased its size from 30 square miles to over 90 square miles in less than 10 years. With this explosive growth, the availability of natural areas and green spaces has diminished considerably. In order to reverse this trend, the City of Laredo passed a Green Spaces Preservation Ordinance in 2004 that requires buffer zones along creeks and streams. This ordinance affects new development and will preserve the mid to upper areas of Laredo’s watersheds. The City is also seeking funds to purchase property and to develop natural restoration projects on developed properties that will tie into these buffer areas to create a linear park/conservation system throughout Laredo. Currently, the City has developed the Chacon Creek master plan, which will create a park/conservation system for Chacon Creek.

This project will transform Chacon Creek from Lake Casa Blanca to the Rio Grande into a park/conservation system that will tie recreation facilities, such as baseball parks and soccer fields, into untouched natural areas through a system of nature trails. Furthermore, the City of Laredo is developing areas of river front property into nature preserves which will allow for bird and nature watching activities

The City has completed Phase I of a restoration project funded by EPA in lower Chacon Creek and has completed a network of trails with funds from Texas Parks and Wildlife.

The City recently received a grant from the EPA, under the Wetlands Protection grant program, to continue Phase II of this project, which will provide for further exotic species removal and for erosion control.

Another key project is the River Bend Ecosystem Restoration Project, which aims at restoring a unique area, which has historically been ravaged by erosion and misuse. The Army Corps of Engineers completed a feasibility study in early 2001 to refine the costs, benefits, and plans associated with the restoration of the river bend area at a cost of approximately $400,000. The plan, as presented, identifies the project to include cleaning and removing exotic plant species; stabilizing major areas of erosion; reforesting with native trees and shrubs; and excavating the gravel pits to expand the wetland area and create islands. Pending is the completion of the Detailed Project Report. The design and construction of the project is scheduled to follow, contingent on the availability of funding.

Project implementation is estimated to cost approximately $4.1 million; 65% of the cost would be shared by the federal government and 35% by the City. The City’s share consists of cash and/or in-kind services in the form of lands and easements.

Grant funds and other federal assistance will enable the Environmental Services Department to enhance more green spaces. Moreover, it is of paramount importance that funds in the amount of $2.66 million (federal share) be earmarked for the Laredo River Bend Ecosystem Restoration Project to enable project design and construction to begin.

$2.66 Million.

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers