An act of vandalism today forced the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) to close the Bauer Unit at Guadalupe River State Park in Spring Branch.
TPWD said a vehicle rammed the unit’s gate. The state agency hopes to reopen the park once repairs are made.
The Bauer Unit is now closed to all visitors and trespassing will not be tolerated.
“Unfortunately, recent incidents of vandalism have caused setbacks in keeping our park a clean and safe place for everyone,” TPWD said on social media. “Vandalism not only disrupts the experience for visitors but also takes valuable time and resources away from park improvements that benefit all.
“Let’s work together to ensure that the park remains a place where everyone can enjoy nature at its best.”
TPWD said it plans to install a trail camera by the gate.
Vandalism has forced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to take similar action at Canyon Lake.
In May 2023, it closed the trail heads at the Guadalupe Trail at the river outlet from the lake on weekends.
“Sadly, this is due to the past years of them being overrun, trashed, vandalized, and abused by weekend visitors, as well as the minimal staff of the Corps to operate and enforce on the lake and lake parks,” USACE said.
The Bauer Unit features day-use areas with hiking and biking trails rated from moderate to challenging. The area is described as a more “primitive” park with native prairie grasses and wildlife in a mixed Hill Country forest.
River access is a two- to three-mile hike downhill. There are no restrooms or potable water. Fires are not permitted.
TPWD asks visitors to state parks to practice “Leave No Trace” principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces, sticking to designated trails and trail areas to protect natural habitats.
- Dispose of waste properly by carrying out everything that’s brought in.
- Leave what’s found, preserving the past and future of the park by not altering or damaging features.
- Minimize campfire impacts by using established fire rings and keeping fires small. (Comal County is currently under a burn ban.)
- Observe wildlife from a distance and do not feed the animals.
- Let everyone enjoy the park as it is meant to be.
