There are many ways to access the City's Balcones Canyonlands Preserve
(BCP) - through use of hiking trails, participation in guided educational activities, and assistance
with volunteer projects that contribute to preserve management. Access into the BCP is allowable
only if endangered species protection is uncompromised.
Click here to view a policy statement approved on November 28, 2007
Click here for information about the BCCP Trail Master Planning Process initiated in January 2008.
Trails & Self-Guided Access
The type of access most people may think of first is use of hiking trails, specifically for self-guided
access. Click here for a table detailing where these
opportunities are on City-managed lands dedicated to the BCP and maps
on how to get there. Unique in terms of access is the Bull Creek Preserve located west of the
intersection of Loop 360/Capital of Texas Highway and Spicewood Springs Road.
Click here
for an explanation of how this access is managed.
Visitors are asked to respect these properties and help maintain them as habitat by following the
specific posted rules for each site as well as the general rules in the shaded box at right.
Guided Access & the Wildland Experience
Getting onto the BCP to recreate is one thing, but the Division wants to offer our community more -
unique wildland experiences where the public can learn about our local environment and how they can
help conserve it. Programs in place and under development are designed to provide guided access-a
format where information can be conveyed and where citizens can enjoy these lands, some of which
are quite rugged, in a safe manner.
|
|
General Access Rules
Respect and do not cross boundary fences
Do not remove or damage signs or markers.
Stay on and do not stray from designated trails.
Do not widen trails, create new trails, or cut any vegetation.
Do not collect any flora, fauna, or rocks.
Help clean up trails by picking up trash.
Do not release unwanted pets.
Do not remove signs or markers.
Do not use trails when wet when they can be damaged.
|
|
Interpretive Hikes
Groups such as garden clubs, scout troops, environmental science classes and neighborhood associations
are welcome to request a guided hike by completing and submitting an outreach request form.
Staff will work with you to select a date,
determine availability of staff or trained volunteers, and arrange a hike that accommodates
your group's interests and skill level. Please note that scheduling of these hikes depends
on restrictions due to ongoing land management or other circumstances.
In September 2007, staff will conduct a volunteer training in order to begin leading regularly
scheduled guided hikes on selected BCP properties from
October through February of each year. Staff are also exploring ways to offer additional guided
hikes on specific topics which will be posted on the Division's calendar
when available.
The City's Wildland Conservation Division staff has also been a driving force behind the BCP Hike
and Lecture Series, first offered in 2007. The series is a partnership between the entities managing
land as part of the preserve system wanting to provide opportunities for the community to learn
more about this irreplaceable local treasure. View information about the 2008 events by clicking here.
Access through Volunteering
Since 2004, the Division has been building a robust volunteer program
and has benefited from the generous, dedicated, and skilled efforts
of many wonderful people. Projects are organized first and foremost to meet the management needs
for conserved properties but, by inviting volunteers onto the properties, they also provide those
individuals with an opportunity to experience the land and learn from project leaders about land
management techniques.
|
