Waco dedicates new wetlands project

By JULIET BRISKIN | Central Texas Edition

August 23, 2001 -- In an effort to replace the wildlife habitat that will be lost when Lake Waco is raised seven feet, the City of Waco, U.S. Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have joined forces to build a 174-acre wetlands.

In addition to providing a wildlife habitat the Wetlands will help filter approximately 11 million gallons of water each day from the North Bosque River.

On August 17, a dedication and groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new wetlands. According to Dr. Mae Jackson, Mayor ProTem and district one representative for the city of Waco, "the Wetlands area is dedicated to the future of Waco and the surrounding communities."

"This Wetlands area will be a wonderful place where people can come and enjoy nature in its natural state," she said. "Eventually nearly a million plants will be in this area."

According to Jackson one of the strongest supporters of the wetlands project was U.S. Representative Chet Edwards who spoke briefly about the benefits of the project. "Using Mother Nature to provide cleaner water for Central Texas families, a wildlife habitat and an outdoor nature classroom for our children," said Edwards "is what this project is all about."

"The real congratulations for this project goes to a tremendous partnership led by the city of Waco," stated Edwards. "I can't think of too many things more important to Central Texas families than to have an adequate supply of clean water. This project will help us to accomplish that goal."

"Our hope, our dream for this project is to have an education center both indoors and outdoors for children," he said, "so they can learn about how we must live and work with nature."

State Representative Jim Dunnam was also on hand to lend his support to the wetlands project. "This project says a lot about Waco to the Texas Legislature," stated Dunnam "We can show here today that Waco puts its money where it's mouth is with this project and is doing its part to improve the water supply."

Planting of a 5-acre nursery will begin in October. The plants will be taken from the surrounding area and transplanted into the nursery for future use throughout the Wetlands area. A planting day for the Wetlands nursery will be held October 19-21. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Wetlands project may call Shirley Hyltin at 254-750-8049.