Updated 08/05/2012 11:49 AM
Officials approve plan to manage Wimberley swimming hole
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Hays County Commissioners approved the management plan for Jacob's Well near Wimberley this week, one which will blend conservation, education and recreation at the park.
The county bought the well and more than 80 surrounding acres in 2010 in hopes of protecting the swimming hole for future generations.
"If people can access it, enjoy it and kids can swim in it and appreciate it and learn about how the aquifer works and actually experience it, they will, I think, adopt a conservation ethic in their life," David Baker with the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association said.
Commissioners unanimously approved the plans for the site earlier this week. Eventually the area will include educational facilities and recreational areas.
"It balances the need for preservation and conservation and restoration of the site with sharing it with the public," Baker said.
In addition to the well, the site will offer miles of trails through the native hill country plants and trees.
"Part of this outreach and these tours is to get people out here to experience the beauty of this area, make them understand the interaction between the creeks and streams and the groundwater," Master Naturalist Jeff Vasgaard said.
Commissioners also voted to take control of the day to day operations of the site.
Click here to see the complete plan for Jacob's Well.