The devastating flooding that swept through Kerr County and Central Texas on July 4th didn’t hit the coldwater fishery on the Guadalupe that Trout Unlimited members know and love. The fishery was largely spared.
But upstream, the damage was heartbreaking. Roads were washed away, homes destroyed, and so many lives were lost, and there are still over a hundred people missing.
Among the places impacted was Camp Mystic, an overnight camp for girls along the South Fork of the Guadalupe River. Almost a hundred years old, this special place has fostered deep connections with the river and nature for generations of families, including some of our members. Tragically, they experienced unimaginable loss during the flood, losing 21 campers, six counselors and the camp’s owner.
Doing what needs to be done when it needs doing
For the Guadalupe TU chapter (GRTU) community, the pain cuts especially deep.
For decades, they have invested in the next generation by hosting one of the most successful Stream of Engagement programs in the country, bringing Trout in the Classroom to local schools, running their own overnight youth conservation and fly fishing camp and supporting TU’s national youth efforts through the Tomorrow Fund. Their commitment to kids and rivers is embedded in who they are.
And now, the very river that has been their classroom, their gathering place and source of joy has delivered something unfathomable.
Bill Marshall, GRTU president, has been out nearly every day since the flooding began. He’s serving food, delivering supplies, clearing debris and standing beside neighbors as they wait for news of their children.
“The recent catastrophic flooding has been devastating for so many in Central Texas. These are our friends, neighbors and the communities that make this region special. While our hearts are heavy with what we have witnessed on our rivers, including our namesake Guadalupe River, GRTU is fully committed to doing what we can to support the recovery in the short and long term,” Bill says. “We’re proud to be part of a conservation community that steps up when it matters most.”
GRTU board members and volunteers have stepped in quietly and without fanfare, doing what needs to be done, when it needs doing.
More help on the way
The broader fly fishing and outdoor community is rallying in powerful and generous ways too. Fly shops like Gruene Outfitters, owned by GRTU board member Tiffany Yeates, donated all sales from their new Station stores on July 10 to support flood relief. Sendero Provisions, GRTU’s Troutfest TX 25 title sponsor, launched a “Together for Texas” collection with 100 percent of profits going toward recovery efforts.
TU members across the country are asking how they can help. GRTU leaders have received hundreds of calls, texts and e-mails from folks eager to step in. Last week, Bradley Dodson, president of the West Denver TU chapter wrote to GRTU leaders, “Please know that we are here alongside you and the GRTU family.” He offered to bring volunteers from Colorado to help with cleanups or whatever is needed once the community is ready. One TU in action.
There will be a time, weeks or months from now, when TU volunteers in the region will organize cleanups and other volunteer opportunities along the river. But today, the most powerful thing you can do is support GRTU’s recovery match.
GRTU has committed up to $25,000 in matching funds to double your donation to provide critical resources for relief across the region. The campaign runs through July. Donations will support multiple local relief organizations helping communities across Central Texas. In times of need, the conservation and fly fishing community shows up for one another. If you are able, this is your chance to do something right now. To donate, text MEND to 76278 or visit mend.givesmart.com.
At TU, we often say that conservation is ultimately about connection to rivers and to one another. The unfolding story on the Guadalupe shows people who love their place and who are doing everything they can to hold it, and each other, together. We will be there alongside them, however we are needed, for as long as it takes.
