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Windcrest reports tree removals, drainage repairs and plans for multi‑agency egret study at city pond
Summary
Public works staff reported removal of dead trees after a freeze, repairs to drainage ditches and alleys, and said researchers from multiple universities and agencies will study egrets at the city pond beginning in May.
City public‑works staff told the council April 1 that crews have removed dozens of dead trees after recent freezes, repaired sections of drainage ditches to prevent yard flooding, and completed limited alley and tennis‑court repairs.
Staff said 11 trees were removed in March alone, with about 15 total removed in the fiscal year so far; crews continue to map tree losses and plan further removals. Drainage work included repairs to Walsam Creek and Wiltony Hollow drainage ditches where erosion had undermined supporting soils and threatened backyard flooding; staff said one remaining drainage ditch (Winfield Rockland) will be a more difficult access job and may take longer to complete.
Public‑works staff also said they repaired windscreens at the tennis courts and are seeking grant funding through a San Antonio tennis group to replace them. The department reported aeration and fertilizer work at City Hall, City Center and Wind Way, and acknowledged receipt of donated grass pallets from Home Depot.
Staff described expanded staff training and certification efforts, including a new certification pay scale that will provide additional compensation for personnel earning city‑beneficial licenses and planned hazmat‑operations certification for 13 staff members. The public‑works team also described assisting with a nearby brush/structure fire using a 500‑gallon ‘‘water buffalo’’ tank and portable extinguishers to contain hot spots until the fire department arrived.
Separately, staff said a multi‑agency research team led by Texas State University will begin a study of egrets at the city pond beginning in early May. The researchers, working with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and universities including Texas A&M San Antonio and Washington State University, will collect soil and water samples two to three times a month for about four months and plan to mark some birds with small tracking packs under humane protocols; staff said personnel will wear personal protective equipment while working on the pond island and will post signs advising residents of the study.
