During the most recent legislative session, more than 50 bills were filed to address the lack of oversight of the sand and gravel mining industry, and almost none passed.

However, what did succeed was legislation establishing the Coke Stevenson Scenic Riverway, protecting 21 miles of the South Llano River in Kimble county. This legislation, sheparded by Republican Representative Andrew Murr, is only the second river in Texas to receive this designation. (John Graves Scenic Riverway on the Brazos River is the other.)

Not only does this designation protect the river, it subjects aggregates operators who mine this area to more effective regulations than elsewhere in Texas.

All we need now are elected officials who are willing to do the same for Bastrop.

Please contact your local representatives and encourage them to act now to establish a scenic riverway on Wilbarger Bend and nearby Bastrop.