Call to Action: Comment on the City of Austin's draft Urban Trails Plan

The City of Austin is in the process of updating their Urban Trails, Bicycle, and Sidewalk Plans. These plans will serve as blueprints that guide construction of our trails, bikeways, and sidewalks for years to come. The City is asking for public input on each of these plans through March 20th, 2023. 

Shoal Creek Conservancy has a set of priorities that we are advocating for based on the 2018 Shoal Creek Trail Plan as well as ongoing public input and emerging needs. 

Here are comments you can make on the draft Urban Trails Plan to help ensure that these priorities are accounted for. These comments are focused on the map of existing and proposed urban trails on page 61 of the draft Urban Trails Plan. Tier 1 = highest priority

• The "MoPac Shared Use Path" which would connect from Shoal Creek's northern trailhead at Highway 183 to the Northern Walnut Creek Trail, is proposed as Tier 2. As an important link in the Big Loop, this segment should be Tier 1. 
• The Shoal Creek crossing between 34th and 38th Streets is currently a low-water crossing with right angles that are challenging for bicycles. This crossing is proposed as Tier 2. Improvements to this crossing should be a Tier 1 priority. 
• The Shoal Creek Trail from 24th-30th is currently proposed as Tier 1. Please share your support for this priority! This trail segment will address the area that needs to be reconnected due to the landslide. 
• A Shoal Creek Trail underpass at 3rd Street is currently proposed as Tier 2. This segment should be Tier 1. This trail segment is a key proposal in the Cypress & Shoal Public Space Strategy, which aims to improve connectivity and safety around 3rd Street and Shoal Creek.
• Big Loop: The eastern portions of the Big Loop yet to be built, including the MoKan Corridor Trail and the Northern Walnut Creek Trail, are all proposed as Tier 1. Please share your support for this priority! 

Amplify Shoal Creek today!

Shoal your love for Shoal Creek this year by donating towards Shoal Creek Conservany's Amplify campaign today! Your support brings us one step closer to a safer and connected trail, a fishable, swimmable creek, and a more resilient future for the Shoal Creek watershed. Find out if your employer matches contributions, so you can double the impact of your gift this Amplify. 

Hello dog-walking Shoal Creek Neighbors! Want to know a quick and easy way you can personally contribute to a healthier Shoal Creek? Carry a bag when you walk your dog. If you’re walking on the Shoal Creek Trail, keep an eye out for one of our 20 pet waste stations, which are stocked with bags for exactly this purpose! Bag your dog’s poop, toss it in the nearest trash can, done! Pet waste contaminates our waterways with salmonella and E. coli, as well as other harmful bacteria and parasites. Learn more by viewing our Scoop the Poop PSA, or by checking out the City of Austin’s collection of Scoop the Poop resources. Don’t have a dog, but still want to help? Request a free yard sign to educate your neighbors!

Upcoming Creekside Opportunities

On February 25th, we invite you to join us as we discuss the history of flooding along Shoal Creek, strategies that help to mitigate flooding, and how water moves through our developed watersheds on our bus tour with Jose M. Guerrero. Spots are limited so register today! 

In partnership with Austin Parks Foundation, we are hosting an It's My Park Day volunteer workday along Shoal Creek in Duncan Neighborhood Park on March 4th. We will be removing litter and recyclables from the Creek, clearing the Trail, and making and dispersing native seed balls. If you'd like to join us, register here. 

In March join us for a beginner-friendly Bike Tour along Shoal Creek Blvd with John Simmerman of Active Towns. On March 11th we'll learn more about the City of Austin’s growing network of alternative transportation routes and how Austin’s infrastructure and culture of activity compare to other cities globally. Visit our website for more info and how to register!

Please note, masks are optional at our volunteer events and tours. Thank you for your understanding. 

Introducing SCC's Spring 2023 Sustainability Intern

Supporter Spotlight 

Big thanks to Blankstone for joining Shoal Creek Conservancy for a recent large-scale workday. Fifty employees collected litter from the creek, cleared mud from the trail, and made native grass seed balls to distribute along the banks of Shoal Creek. Thank you for bringing the energy on an early morning workday!