Kerr County Commissioners Court on Nov. 10 unanimously authorized volunteer‑led plantings at Flat Rock Park and approved up to 20 donated trees for the Veterans Pathway as part of continuing flood recovery and community memorial work.

Former Commissioner Lutz, speaking for the River Working Group, told the court the group has seed mixes, grasses and tree seedlings ready to be installed "right about the 10 foot right along the river's edge," and that volunteers and city partners will coordinate with county maintenance on exact locations. The court voted to authorize the River Working Group to plant seeds and trees in Flat Rock Park after county maintenance staff agreed to review and confirm planting sites.

Katie Campbell, coordinator for Bird City Kerrville, asked the court to approve planting up to 20 five‑gallon trees — including red oak, cedar elm and cypress — along the lower portion of the Veterans Pathway. Campbell said Bartlett Tree will dig holes and volunteers will assist with planting; commissioners approved the request subject to county‑attorney coordination and directed maintenance staff to level and prepare the pathway before the event.

The court also heard updates on community donations tied to remembrance and recovery: a donated 25‑foot red oak for Flat Rock Park, a red granite memorial marker provided by Boulder Designs of Fredericksburg, and sponsorship support for a vendor‑led tree‑lighting event at the courthouse from Security State Bank and Trust. George Icker, representing the Kirkville Scribe and Sliding Corporation, described a new 50‑foot LED tree and invited commissioners to the lighting.

In a broader recovery update, a commissioner reported that debris‑removal contractors have removed about 1,800,000 cubic yards of material and are completing road‑by‑road closures, with remaining work concentrated along river channels; staff and FEMA partners were credited with accelerating the work but commissioners noted some debris tasks remain river‑focused. One commissioner later asked for clarification about the reported debris figure during discussion, and the court recorded follow‑up to confirm final totals.

The court also said volunteers and partner organizations will supply equipment and staffing for planting and memorial activities, and emphasized the need to protect newly planted saplings from deer and provide watering plans for larger trees. The judge and commissioners invited the public to attend the Veterans Day naming and dedication event for the Ali Burton Jr. building the following day.

The court approved all related motions unanimously; the planting approvals are expected to proceed in coordination with county maintenance and subject to any required agreements for private contractors doing work on county property.