The much anticipated removal of the 104 year old historical dam located on the San Marcos River in Gonzales County is finally underway. The dam damaged by a storm in 2008 was originally scheduled to be removed in 2012. Removal of the Ottine Dam is good news for the fish and other aquatic species of the river, as well as recreational organizations that sponsor events on this stretch of the San Marcos River. The project is expected to be completed by the end of January.
The Ottine Dam project was funded through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Fish Passage Program and coordinated by the Texas Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. Project partners include the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the San Marcos River Foundation, and Texas Water Safari. The Service’s Southeast Region Dam Removal Team and the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge are also assisting with the project.
