Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration Project
The Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project is transforming an eight mile stretch of the San Antonio River into a quality riparian woodland ecosystem. This unique project restores riverine features and riparian woodlands, reintroduces native plants, enhances aquatic habitat, and reconnects cultural and historical features.
Improvements along the Mission Reach will focus on ecosystem restoration using a technique known as fluvial geomorphology. This technique will transform the straightened river by adding sinuosity where possible while maintaining flood control, reducing erosion, re-introducing native vegetation and creating an environment more suitable for recreation and wildlife.
The project’s ecological features include restoring the natural pool, riffle, run sequences; reconnection of two historic river remnants; restoration of natural backwater habitats; and restoration of the native riparian woodland corridor, including the planting of over 20,000 young trees. Further, restoration of the pool, riffle, run sequences will reduce existing erosion and sedimentation issues.
The $271.9 million Mission Reach project is funded by Bexar County ($115.3 million), the City of San Antonio ($4.5 million); USACE ($141.3 million) and through private donations collected by the San Antonio River Foundation ($4.8 million). Funding for utility relocations by SAWS totals $6 million.
Progress Photos Phase 1
Progress Photos Phase 2a
Educational Information
If your classroom or organization is interested in learning more about the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project, the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) has developed a presentation about this project for schools, churches, civic groups, neighborhood associations and other community organizations. To learn more about this free service or to schedule a presentation, please contact Matthew Driffill, SARA’s Education Specialist, at 210-302-3222 or e-mail mdriffill@sara-tx.org.