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HomeMy WebLinkAboutECR Scoping Report- Scoping Report - El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Comprehensive Management Plan/ Environmental Assessment June 2007 U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service National Trails System, Santa Fe Preparers: Aaron Mahr John Conoboy Brooke Taralli Sharon A. Brown ii TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Acronyms and Abbreviations……………………………………………………..………iii Introduction and Background………………………………………………………………….….1 Planning Issues...……………………………………………………………………………….….9 Planning Criteria........................................................................................................…..…….….10 Future Steps in the Planning Process…………………….…………………………….…...……12 MAP Map 1. Designated National Historic Trail….…………… ………………………….….……….3 TABLES Table 1. Public Scoping Meetings ………………………………………….…………………....5 Table 2. Meeting Attendee Representation………………………………….…………….……...7 APPENDICES Appendix 1. Representative Media Releases……………………………....……………….……13 Appendix 2. Written Comments…………………………………………….……………...…....16 Appendix 3. Verbal Comments Recorded During Public Meetings…………..………….……...23 iii LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS CMP/EA Comprehensive Management Plan/Environmental Assessment ELTE El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail GIS Geographic Information System NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHT National Historic Trail NPS National Park Service - 1 - INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND This report summarizes comments, feedback, and input received from the public in the spring of 2007 during scoping for a proposed Comprehensive Management Plan/Environmental Assessment (CMP/EA) for El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail (ELTE). The scoping reported here was conducted by a team of National Park Service (NPS) planners, historians, and managers from the National Trails System-Intermountain Region (Santa Fe office). The team received assistance from Texas Historical Commission staff, as well as from individuals and community-based interest groups along the trail in Texas and Louisiana. Scoping—presenting the broad outlines of a project and soliciting input as to issues, concerns, and opportunities that might arise as a result of project implementation—is a process federal agencies pursue in the early stages of preparing management plans and environmental assessments. Scoping encourages public participation and solicits public input on the scope and significance of a proposed action. Comments received during scoping will help the National Park Service (NPS) identify issues and concerns, and help develop alternatives. OVERVIEW The NPS is preparing a CMP/EA for El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail in Texas and Louisiana, pursuant to the National Trails System Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-543, as amended), and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The trail passes through privately owned lands and state-managed lands under the administration of the Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Historical Commission, and the Louisiana Office of State Parks. The NPS has been directed to administer the national historic trail and to develop the CMP/EA. El Camino Real de los Tejas was added to the National Trails System on October 18, 2004, (P.L. 108-342) in keeping with the National Trails System Act, to "promote the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the open air, outdoor areas and historic resources of the Nation." The trail is composed of several routes, reflecting different periods and types of use. The Old San Antonio Road is a separate road system that overlaps El Camino Real in sections. The trail has been determined to be nationally significant in the history of the U.S. The historic trail linked Mexico City to the Spanish provincial capital at Los Adaes; the congressionally-designated national historic trail defines the trail as a corridor of changing routes running from the Rio Grande across Texas and into northwest Louisiana. The CMP/EA for the national historic trail (NHT) will identify the administrative policies, objectives, processes, and management actions needed to protect trail resources and, where possible and appropriate, make these resources accessible to the public and available to serve the public's needs for recreation, education, and heritage preservation. The CMP will - 2 - describe the current condition of the trail route and trail resources; develop a vision and set goals for future preservation and development through consultation with the public, Native American communities, and traditional communities with interests in the history of the trail and the trail route, and trail resource owners and managers; and provide guidance for the preservation and development of these resources for the public benefit. Effective administration of El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail will rely on the cooperative management efforts and support of Federal, tribal, State, local, and private interests, including landowners. An Environmental Assessment (EA) will be prepared to analyze the potential impacts of the proposed comprehensive management plan on resources and visitor experiences provided along the trail route. The CMP/EA will serve as a basis for administrative decisions to be made by NPS staff and local land owners and managers as they consider trail resource needs and work to implement the preservation and development goals outlined in the comprehensive plan. PLANNING AREA DESCRIPTION The planning area includes the trail and its several routes as they pass through from the international border with Mexico, through Texas and into northwest Louisiana (Map 1). Trail travelers used a number of routes to make the passage west to east from what is now Mexico to what is now Louisiana, and east to west from what is now the southern United States and into what is now Texas. The route has been defined through an analysis of historic documentary sources, which generally give either a narrative description of the trail route, or illustrate the trail route through a relatively general map, or both. The historic trail route is expressed as a physically- defined trace at only a small number of places along its length, and the width of the trail route, or trail corridor, varies considerably from place to place. - 3 - Map 1. El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail - 4 - SCOPING PROCESS During the scoping process, the NPS solicits comments from relevant agencies and the public, reviews and organizes all of the comments received, and identifies the issues that will be addressed in the CMP/EA. For this project the scoping period was over 60 days, from March 28 through May 31, 2007. The remainder of this scoping report describes the scoping activities and the comments received. SCOPING ACTIVITIES The NPS’s intent during the scoping process was to inform agencies and the public about the CMP/EA and solicit their comments in order to identify issues and questions to consider when developing the management plan. During the scoping period, the NPS announced the commencement of the CMP/EA through various means, invited written comments, and held public scoping meetings. These activities are described below. Announcements The CMP/EA and scoping meetings were announced through media releases, two websites, and a newsletter announcing local schedules and meeting venues. The Texas Historical Commission assisted with announcing the scoping meetings and the scoping process through their listserv at: heritage-tourism-list-l@lists.thc.state.tx.us. Individual communities, chambers of commerce, and meeting venues also released scoping meeting information. Scoping Notice The NPS sent a newsletter announcing the start of the planning process to people and organizations on mailing lists originally developed during preparation of the 1998 feasibility study for the national historic trail. This list was augmented by more recent contacts made since the national historic trail designation in October 2004. The newsletter included a brief announcement about the planning process and directed interested parties to contact the NPS planning team by mail, by email, or by telephone. The newsletter was mailed to over 400 individuals, agencies, and organizations in early-April, 2007. The mailing list will be reviewed and updated throughout the planning process. The planning team also contacted staffs of two NPS units associated with the trail – San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and Cane River Creole National Historical Park. These park staffs were provided with news releases, newsletters, and other information. A website dedicated to the planning project was established in March 2007, to provide project information during the scoping period, as well as throughout the planning process. The Camino Real planning project can be found within: http://parkplanning.nps.gov This website contained a map of the NHT, the public meeting schedule, project background, planning process description, information regarding contacts, and a link to the separate NPS website with trail history and information: www.nps.gov/elte - 5 - Newsletter A four-page, color newsletter (dated Spring 2007) announcing the start of planning for the CMP/EA was mailed to over 400 individuals, agencies, and interested organizations in early April 2007. The mailing list will be reviewed and updated throughout the CMP/EA process. This newsletter is available on-line at both websites: www.nps.gov/elte and at http://parkplanning.gov The newsletter contained an explanation of the planning process, description of the planning issues, a brief treatment of trail significance, a solicitation for participation in the planning process, and contact information. A copy was provided to each attendee at the eight scoping meetings. The newsletter was the first of several information newsletters that will be distributed to the ELTE mailing list and/or posted on the NPS websites at key steps in the planning process. Media Releases Media releases introducing the project and announcing the scoping meetings were issued to local and regional newspapers, television and radio stations, and organizations. A representative list of contacts is shown in Appendix 1. A number of newspapers ran stories on the project and on the public scoping meetings, including the Laredo (Texas) Morning Times, Cuero (Texas) Record, Victoria (Texas) Advocate, Yorktown (Texas) News, Nacogdoches (Texas) Daily Sentinel, and Shreveport (Louisiana) Times. Coverage provided on television and radio is not known. Public Scoping Meeting Schedule and Format The NPS planning team conducted eight public scoping meetings in towns along, or with a strong association to, the trail, as shown below in Table 1. Meeting formats, information content, and public input opportunities are described briefly following the meeting schedule. Table 1. Public Scoping Meetings Location Date, 2007 and Time All meetings 5:30 – 7:30 PM (except as noted) Number of Attendees Alamo Area Council of Governments San Antonio, Texas Monday, April 23 2:30-4:30 PM 31 Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum Laredo, Texas Tuesday, April 24 16 Dimmit County Public Library Wade House Memorial Museum Carrizo Springs, Texas Wednesday, April 25 15 TrustTexas Bank Community Room Cuero, Texas Thursday, April 26 41 Lower Colorado River Authority Riverside Conference Center Monday, April 30 20 - 6 - Location Date, 2007 and Time All meetings 5:30 – 7:30 PM (except as noted) Number of Attendees Bastrop, Texas Crockett Civic Center Crockett, Texas Tuesday, May 1 13 Liberty Hall Nacogdoches, Texas Wednesday, May 2 31 Natchitoches Events Center Natchitoches, Louisiana Thursday, May 3 29 Total 196 Maps representing the National Trails System and El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT were arranged on the walls of each meeting room. Posters showing planning issues, the trail’s national significance, and planning schedule were posted on the walls for review. Attendees were greeted at the door by members of the planning team, and were asked to enter contact information on a sign in form. Each attendee was offered a newsletter, comment form, and the National Historic Trail System map and guide. The planning team (Aaron Mahr attending six meetings, John Conoboy and Sharon Brown attending eight meetings, and Brooke Taralli attending four meetings) began each meeting with a short presentation of approximately 30 minutes that included greetings and introductions of the planning team by Mahr or Conoboy. A representative from the Texas Historical Commission (Janie Headrick, Terry Colley, or both) was present at every meeting. A 15-minute DVD film, “On the Road to Partnerships” was shown to introduce the National Historic Trail System, trail history, and support for active public participation in the trail. The film was followed by a brief discussion of the planning process and the planning issues. For approximately an hour to an hour and a half, attendees were encouraged to ask questions and present oral comments structured around planning issues. Brown facilitated the open discussion portion of the meeting. Taralli, Mahr, and Headrick took notes on flip charts so that attendees could view the written comments as they were recorded. All team members were available during the discussion period to answer questions. Discussions were lively and usually lasted up to the 7:30 cut-off time. Attendees were also encouraged to provide written comments on the distributed forms and to visit the planning website. They were advised that they would be added to the planning mailing list and would receive the next newsletter and other planning-associated notices from the planning team. Meeting Profiles Attendees made each public scoping meeting distinct and notable for the types of topics discussed (Table 2). All meetings drew an audience of local interested citizens. Local representatives of federal and state agencies attended most of the meetings. - 7 - Table 2. Meeting Attendee Representation Meeting Place Attendee representation San Antonio, Texas Atascosa County Historical Commission Casa Navarro State Historic Site City of San Antonio Local interested citizens National Park Service/Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program Panna Maria Historical Society River Systems Institute at Texas State University Selma Historical Foundation Society for the Preservation of Historic Fort Sam Houston Witte Museum U.S. House of Representatives staff Laredo, Texas City of Laredo Local interested citizens Media Texas A&M International University Texas Parks and Wildlife Department U.S. House of Representatives staff Webb County Heritage Foundation Carrizo Springs, Texas Atascosa County Historical Commission Camino Real Repository Chamber of Commerce Fort Duncan Museum, Eagle Pass Local interested citizens Uvalde County Historical Commission Cuero, Texas Chamber of Commerce City of Cuero City of Goliad City of Yoakum County government Cuero Development Corporation DeWitt County Historical Commission Helena Museum/ Karnes County Historical Society Local interested citizens Media Texas Settlement Region Victoria County Historical Commission Bastrop, Texas Bastrop County Historical Society Bastrop Main Street Program Bastrop Visitor Center Chamber of Commerce City of Bastrop El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Association - 8 - Meeting Place Attendee representation Hays County Historical Commission Local interested citizens Texas Parks and Wildlife Department-Lost Pines U.S. Senate staff Crockett, Texas Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site Local interested citizens Mission Tejas Caddoan Mounds Association Nacogdoches, Texas City of Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau East Texas Historical Commission Local interested citizens Media Millard’s Crossing Historic Village San Augustine Chamber of Commerce Stephen F. Austin State University Stone Fort Museum Texas Archeology Stewardship Network Texas Department of Transportation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Natchitoches, Louisiana Adai Caddo Indian Tribe Cane River Creole National Historical Park Cane River National Heritage Area Commission Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb City of Natchitoches Fort Jesup State Historic Site Local interested citizens Louisiana Office of Tourism Louisiana State Parks Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Media Northwestern State University Sabine Parish Tourist Commission Texas Historical Commission Assistance with Scoping The Texas Historical Commission was an important part of the public scoping process. The commission helped to publicize the scoping meetings across the state, and to generate interest for the meetings. In addition, one or two commission staffers participated in each meeting and were available to answer questions about the trail’s history and about the formation of a volunteer trail-wide association (El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Association). Agency Coordination During the scoping period the planning team made telephone calls and sent emails with information on the public scoping meetings, planning issues, concerns, and opportunities, and trail route location to NPS, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Louisiana Office of State Parks offices located along the trail to publicize the public scoping meetings, and to - 9 - encourage staff participation. For the NPS, staffs in the following system units and offices were contacted: • Washington Office, National Trails System • Intermountain Regional Office, Denver, Colorado • Big Thicket National Preserve • Cane River Creole National Historical Park • Cane River National Heritage Area Commission • Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, Texas • San Antonio Missions National Historical Park PLANNING ISSUES INTRODUCTION The scoping period commenced on April 28, 2007, and ended on May 31, 2007. During this period, comments were submitted to the NPS planning team in writing on comment forms, by email, and on the Web. Oral comments were summarized from notes taken during the public scoping meetings. The planning team will continue to consider public comments throughout the planning process. A number of planning issues were developed and were presented to the public for consideration in the newsletter announcing the scoping period and used as a basis for generating public discussion during the scoping meetings themselves. These issues were presented to the public as follows: • How will trail-related resources, including historic buildings and sites, archeology, and landscapes, be identified and protected? • How will visitors learn about, and be directed to, trail-related cultural and recreational activities? • How will coordinated trail-wide interpretation and education be provided to visitors and local residents? • How will the perspectives of all people associated with the trail’s history be included in interpretive and educational materials? • How can American and Mexican public awareness of the trail be increased? • What is the most effective use of partnerships to achieve goals for the trail’s future? PUBLIC COMMENTS All of the comments and questions received from the public during the scoping period have - 10 - been compiled, reviewed, and sorted by topic. Written Comments Written comments (from comment forms, letters, and Web comments) were received from five individuals and seven agencies, interest groups, and an American Indian tribe. These comments are presented in Appendix 2. Verbal Comments: Public Scoping Meetings A total of 196 people attended the 8 public scoping meetings. Verbal comments were summarized through notes taken at each meeting. These comments appear in Appendix 3. Comment Summary Written and verbal comments received during the scoping period addressed the following topics: • Access • Administrative Activities • American Indian Involvement • Community Connections • Economic Opportunity • Education Programs • Interpretation Delivery/Location • Interpretive Topics/Stories • Location of Trail • Logo • Marking Trail/Wayfinding • Partnerships • Promotion of the Trail • Protection of Trail Resources • Research Projects • Types of Use • Visitor Experience • Visitor Safety PLANNING CRITERIA The following planning criteria have been identified to guide the development of the CMP/EA: • The plan will be completed in compliance with Section 5(a) of the National Trails System Act and all other applicable laws. The plan will meet the requirements of Public Law 108-342 (Designation of El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail) to protect the trail’s natural and historic resources and recreation opportunities. - 11 - • The planning team will work cooperatively with the states of Texas and Louisiana; tribal governments; county and local governments; other federal agencies; and interested individuals, groups, and agencies. Public participation will be encouraged throughout the process. • The planning team will work cooperatively with landowners along the trail corridor. • The planning process will include an environmental assessment that will comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) guidelines. • The plan will emphasize the protection and enhancement of the historic values of the trail, while providing the public with opportunities for compatible recreation opportunities. • The lifestyles and concerns of area residents will be recognized in the plan. The plan will also consider the impact of trail administration on adjacent communities and community desires for an association and connection with the trail and trail resources. • The planning process will involve government to government consultation with federally-recognized American Indian governments. • Decisions in the plan will strive to be as compatible as possible with existing plans and policies of adjacent local, regional, state, tribal, and federal agencies, as long as the decisions are in conformance with congressional direction and federal laws, regulation, and policy. • The location of the trail has been determined on the basis of historical information and some field surveys, and will be further refined through use of a Geographic Information System (GIS). • Private landowner’s rights will be respected. During the comprehensive management planning process, team members will enter private lands only with the permission of the landowner. • The United States shall not acquire for the trail any land or interest in land outside the exterior boundary of any federally-administered area without the consent of the owner or the land or interest in land. • Public and non-governmental organizations and academic institutions will be consulted. • Coordination will occur with the Government of Mexico and its political subdivisions to exchange trail information and research, foster trail preservation and educational programs, provide technical assistance, and work to establish an international historic trail with complementary preservation and education programs. - 12 - FUTURE STEPS IN THE PLANNING PROCESS INTRODUCTION The CMP/EA process, which is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2008, consists of the following steps: Step 1. Define purpose and need for the plan Step 2. Conduct public scoping Step 3. Develop preliminary alternatives Step 4. Prepare draft plan/environmental document Step 5. Public review of draft plan/environmental document Step 6. Analysis of public comment Step 7. Prepare final plan/decision document Step 8. Release final plan/decision document to the public The planning team has completed steps 1 and 2. A range of reasonable alternatives, including an alternative considering no action, as required by NEPA, will be developed and analyzed in the EA. Potential impacts of the alternatives will be assessed and the results of the analysis will be documented in a preliminary CMP/EA, which the public will be asked to review in spring 2008. Comments on the preliminary CMP/EA received from agencies and the public will be considered and incorporated into the proposed CMP/EA, to be completed in summer 2008. The NPS will issue a Finding of No Significant Impact and an approved CMP, scheduled for fall 2008. The NPS will continue to consider public comments through the CMP/EA process. Periodic updates on CMP/EA progress will be sent to those on the mailing list. Information about CMP/EA progress can also be obtained from the NPS websites: http://parkplanning.gov and www.nps.gov/elte - 13 - APPENDICES Appendix 1. Representative Media Releases Texas Community Date Distributed Organizations Alamo Area Council of Governments San Antonio April 12, 2007, for all East Texas Tourism Association Longview Texas Department of Transportation Austin Texas Historical Commission Austin Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin University of Texas Austin/San Antonio Print Associated Press Texas* Austin/Houston/San Antonio April 12, 2007, for all City Volunteer San Augustine Herald-Zeitung New Braunfels Houston Chronicle Houston San Antonio Express-News San Antonio San Marcos Daily Record San Marcos Texas Highways Magazine Austin The Austin Chronicle Austin The Austin American Statesman Austin The Bastrop Advertiser Bastrop The Cuero Record-Yorktown News- View Cuero The Daily Sentinel Nacogdoches The Eagle Bryan The Free Press Buda The Laredo Morning Times Laredo The Shreveport Times Shreveport The Victoria Advocate Victoria Louisiana Community Date Distributed Broadcast KLAX-TV Alexandria April 12, 2007, for all KDAQ-FM Shreveport KALB Alexandria - 14 - KTBS Shreveport Organizations Alexandria Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Alexandria April 12, 2007, for all Ascension Parish Tourist Commission (TC) Ascension Parish Avoyelles Parish TC Avoyelles Parish Beauregard Parish TC Beauregard Parish Lafourche Parish TC Lafourche Parish Louisiana Office of State Parks Baton Rouge Natchitoches Parish TC Natchitoches Parish Sabine Parish TC Sabine Parish Shreveport/Bossier Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) Shreveport-Bossier City Southwest LA Convention & Tourist Bureau (CVB) Lake Charles Vernon Parish TC Vernon Parish Webster Parish CVB Webster Parish West Baton Rouge TC Baton Rouge Print Advocate-Travel Ed. Baton Rouge April 12, 2007, for all Alexandria Town Talk Alexandria Associated Press-Louisiana New Orleans Backroads Observer Goldonna Bossier Press Tribune Bossier City Caldwell Watchmen Progress Columbia Coushatta Citizen Coushatta Denham Springs News Denham Springs Fort Polk Guardian Fort Polk Gonzales Weekly Citizen Gonzales Kaplan Herald Kaplan Lake Arthur Sun Times Lake Arthur Leesville Daily Leader Leesville Minden Press Herald Minden Natchitoches Times Natchitoches News Start – Ruston Bureau Ruston Oakdale Journal Oakdale Ruston Daily Leader Ruston Ruston Morning Paper Ruston Sabine Index Sabine Parish Sabine News Sabine Parish Shreveport Sun Shreveport Slidell Sentry News Slidell - 15 - Springhill Press and News Journal Springhill The Caddo Citizen Vivian The Chronicle Colfax The Jena Times Jena Times of Lake Charles Lake Charles Toledo Bend Tribune Logansport Vinton News Vinton * The Associated Press (AP) redistributes news releases to newspapers, radio, television, and other subscribers. - 16 - Appendix 2. Written Comments Topic Comments Administrative Activities • The Hays County Historical Commission is requesting consulting party status in the future development of a management plan, the environmental assessment, and the selection of alternatives for El Camino Real de los Tejas at this time. The Hays County Historical Commission, as a department of our county government, is responsible for the preservation of historic and cultural resources including the numerous resources associated with the alignments of the Camino Real through our county. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) • According to the National Trails System Act, an Advisory Council is to be appointed within one year of the addition of any national scenic or national historic trail to the system. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) • We would also request that adequate notice be given of any future public meetings in Hays County or the immediate area. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) • As a final note, we couldn't help but notice that you have already predetermined the outcome of your NEPA environmental study as a "FONSI" or finding of no significant impact and included the date of this determination as fall, 2008. We thought your public involvement and subsequent research in the NEPA study was supposed to provide the documentation for such a finding. We find it most worrisome that the outcome of your study has already been predetermined without the benefit of public input and an in-depth analysis of the issues. The Hays County Historical Commission requests that the NPS acknowledge the Hays County Historical Commission as a participant/consulting party in the NEPA process and any Section 106 and 110 process, as well as any discussions or determinations of historical routes leading to, through, or from the county. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) Community Connections • I am inquiring about my town, Ville Platte, participating in the celebration of El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. . . .Our town was first settled in the late 1700's on what was the first level ground when travelling from the northwest and the local native Indians had always used this trail. This section of the trail is our Main Street. We actually have a bronze plaque along Main Street that educates all passersby that this is a section of the El Camino Real. Our town was officially founded in 1858 by Marcellin Garand, an officer in Napoleon Bonaparte's Army. Ville Platte is the parish seat of Evangeline Parish. Ville Platte has a population of approximately 8600 residents. We are located just south of the center of the state of Louisiana. (McGee, CLG Director, Main Street Program, Ville Platte) Economic Opportunity • Give economic incentives for business to sponsor parts of the trail’s development. (Lee) Education Programs • Useful to put in Texas and Mexican History books. (Lee) • Work with Boy and Girl Scouts on an El Camino Real merit badge if they camp along X number of sites along routes and pass a knowledge test. (Lee) Interpretation Delivery/Location • With development taking much raw land-recommend High quality video (soon) – By Air – of entire route-maybe at several times of day –seasons-also ground level shots of significant historic features. This could be blended at some point for an interactive video tour so you could go to any point along the - 17 - Topic Comments route at different periods of time to understand what was going around see what features remain or the significance of the site. (Lee) • I would also like to see a GPS route that would more or less be driven with written or voice narration of what happened along the way and pointing out sites – could also be flown. (Lee) • Publish location in R.V. and town guides – there are probably some sites near R.V. parks. Lee) • Effective utilization of the Trail by the public requires local interpretation centers at cities accessible to the Highway 57 corridor. A new five-million- dollar museum and library is well established at Uvalde. This site on both Highway 83 and Highway 90 should be considered as a significant, strong, local and resource. (Anderson, Uvalde County Historical Commission) Interpretive Topics/Stories • The El Camino Real de los Tejas is an important historical entity. We believe it should be preserved and memorialized for what it was during its first 150 years: it was a lifeline that enables transport of supplies, communication, and military protection for the Spanish colonial missions in Texas. Thus, the highway is a vestigal remnant of the colonial Spanish culture of Texas. (Escamilla, The Order of Granaderos y Damas de Galvez) • Another reason why the highway should be ‘kept alive’ is its use to conduct cattle drives, now a part of the Texas mystique recognized around the world. Originally, the cattle drives moved from several points in Texas to Saltillo, Mexico. There is also another fact to which Texans can relate to with great pride: During the American Revolution, the cattle drives originated in San Antonio and traveled eastwardly to feed the troops of Spanish General Bernardo de Galvez as they battled and defeated the English at the five forts stretching from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Pensacola, Florida. Thus, it is historical fact that Texas cattle drives, the Camino Real, and Texas beef helping in winning the American Revolution. (Escamilla, The Order of Granaderos y Damas de Galvez) Location/Mapping of Trail • Have some sections of state/us highways designated E.C.R. roadways. (Lee) • [Letter addressed to “The Board of Directors, El Camino Real de Los Tejas” with narrative history of establishment of missions, the Texas connection to the American Revolution through cattle drives, and military activity on the camino real. Narrative supports inclusion of San Antonio-Goliad-Nacogdoches route.] I beg the Board to reconsider your map and any program that does not include the San Antonio-La Bahia-Nacogdoches route of El Camino Real de Los Tejas. (Cowan, Texas Connection to the American Revolution Association) • In Hays County, the alignment referred to as the Old San Antonio Road follows Hays County Road 266 before it merges with State Highway 21. The literature states that this route "represents the westward migration and settlement of Texas by Anglo-Americans." (National Historic Trail Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment for El Camino Real de los Tejas, p. 80). Yet, this would appear to be a misconception as the site of San Marcos de Neve is located along this route near the crossing at the San Marcos River. Established in 1808 as a civilian settlement of the late Spanish Colonial period, it points to the use of the road from a much earlier period than Anglo immigration into Texas. Although there are few references to the Upper Presidio Road after the Spanish Colonial period, it is not known at what point in time it was actually abandoned. - 18 - Topic Comments A predominance is given to the Upper Presidio Road in the map by virtue of its being named El Camino Real de los Tejas. I gather from this that it will become the preferred route? Will there be a preferred route? Will the availability of trail-related resources and the setting of the road determine any preferred route? Who determines a preferred route? Will other routes be forgotten, or will they also be designated with signage? (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) • Why is the eastern leg of the El Camino Real which runs from the Mississippi River through Concordia, Catahoula, LaSalle, Grant, and Winn Parishes not recognized by the U. S. Park Service? This historic trail as it runs through the aforementioned parishes is just as important to us as it is to the rest of the country yet the Park Service seems to only want to recognize the Natchitoches-west leg. (Davies) • Research by members of my tribe, and that of others, indicates that what has been viewed as the route of the El Camino Real (Louisiana Highway 6) is not necessarily accurate. Our research would indicate that the true route was some miles north of the aforementioned highway and actually followed LA Highway 120 from near Natchitoches, to LA Highway 482, and on to the Sabine River. This would have been a more direct route from Natchitoches to Nacogdoches, TX, whereas the other would have been a more circuitous and difficult journey during certain times of the year. The one we advocate, however, followed a ridge that ran along the Los Hormigas land grant and would have been an all- weather route. (Bolton, Choctaw-Apache Community of Ebarb, Inc.) • There was general agreement from participants in the planning session [Carrizo Springs] that the aspects of the Upper Presidio Road between San Juan Bautista and San Antonio have not been critically addressed in the planning. It is well documented that the Upper and Lower roads were the most heavily traveled off the proposed El Camino de Tejas as they served to connect San Juan Bautista and later sites to the San Antonio Missions and further to Tejas and Louisiana, Missions. The Upper Presidio Road was known to have been taken by Mexico (General Wolls’ (or his invasion of San Antonio in 1842, and General Wools’ invasion of Mexico in 1846. Historical accounts indicate it is likely that Santa Anna followed that route. The Wool route is prominently mentioned in the 1850 Military Reconnaissance Report. The crossing is therein described. The Frio Crossing at Frio Town in Frio County has been identified many years ago. The road West of the Frio Crossing had been thought to be lost in private land, but recent research has shown the Nueces River Crossing, known in recent times as the Chimney Crossing, is clearly identified as "General Wool’s Crossing” in the 1879 Zavalla (sic) County map. The river crossings are the most definitive indications of trail locations. Given that the Frio Crossing and the Nueces Crossing are now established it is essential that they be made available for interpretation in the Trail. The “Chimney” or “General Wool's Crossing” is on public land and readily accessible to the public. US Highway 57 closely follows the Upper Presidio Road. The Frio Crossing is about five miles north, of the Highway 57 on State Road 140. The Nueces Crossing is five miles north of La Pryor on US Highway 83 and fifteen miles south of Uvalde. Highway 57 is accessible from major traffic routes on Interstate 3, and from US - 19 - Topic Comments Highway 90 from Hondo, Sabinal or Uvalde. The Medina County route and crossings are well documented with State Historical Marker 4997 about six miles northwest of the Devine intersection on Interstate 35 on State Highway 173. (Anderson, Uvalde County Historical Commission) • Before the next scheduled meeting on April 23, 2007, we would very much appreciate your consideration of the following contentions regarding the recently received map of the routes of the Camino Real: 1.Perhaps memory does not serve well, but the House Resolution establishing the present project uses Caminos Reales. If this is correct it is historically accurate. I refer you to the piece cited elsewhere by Dr. Jesus F. de la Teja on this subject. 2.The map provided by your department in the “El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Newsletter”, Spring, 2007, appears to be in serious error regarding Victoria County, Texas. This, we hope, can be corrected prior to the san Antonio, Texas, meeting on April 23, 2007. Please consider the attached and translated Spanish documents and maps. . . . There are a number of well-documented differences between your department’s conclusions regarding Victoria Count’s role in the history of Spanish trails and this three-year long research effort. It should be pointed out that an earlier trail marking project (1991, I think) did not receive proper attention in this county. We cannot explain the failure to participate at that time, but it was a serious one. (Shook) • Can you give us some idea of the progress made to date concerning the request that Victoria County, Texas be added to the El Camino Real de los Tejas map. This was the issue brought to your attention during the last planning meeting in Cuero, Texas. In the event legislation will be required to correct the exclusion of Victoria County on the map we discussed it would be helpful if you could advise us as to the information we should include in a communication with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison to begin the process now in order to make the correction as soon as possible. (Shook, Victoria County Heritage Department) • You might be interested to know that your map is missing one road that connected San Antonio de Bexar and Guadalupe in Mexico where the Arch Bishop was located. That roadway goes right across our ranch in Duval County both north and south of San Diego. Once when visiting the Catholic facility in Guadalupe I was shown a map of the roads coming from there to all their Bishops in those days. One was in San Antonio de Bexar but many other locations as well. That road appears to cross our ranch on their old map. The road continued to be in existence and use until the brush country was fenced. (Hoffman) Marking Trail/ Wayfinding • The El Camino Real de los Tejas also served as a thoroughfare for goods when Texas became a part of Mexico, then a Republic, and still later during the U.S. Civil War. The highway continued to serve in these post-colonial years, and thus these later contributions should also be memorialized. However, the core identity of the highway is its Colonial Spanish-era culture and this should be reflected in the design of the historical markers. (Escamilla, The Order of Granaderos y Damas de Galvez) • During the 79th Legislature, a bill was passed (HB 747/SB 318) designating a "El Camino East-West Corridor" along State Highways 7, SH 21, SH 103, US - 20 - Topic Comments 290, and Interstate 10 all the way to El Paso. This is an economic development corridor being developed through the states of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. According to an earlier bill analysis, "this stretch of highway has notoriety because of its use for exploration, conquest, missionary supply, settlement, cultural exchange and military campaigns throughout history." Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. How will NPS address potential confusion to visitors for a designated route with such a similar name, particularly in light of the fact that it follows some of the same routes as the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas? (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) Partnerships • Needs to be more on what we can do to make it a success. (Porter) • I think ‘we’ covered a lot of territory. (Trouart) • In 2005, the Texas legislation passed HB 3269establishing the Texas Historical Commission as the agency responsible for administering and coordinating the efforts of state and local and public and private entities regarding the El Camino Real. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) • While the SHPO would be a natural partner for the NPS in this process, this partnership should not result in the exclusion of other groups from participating in the process. The NPS would benefit from engaging multiple partners in this process, rather than relying exclusively on a single partner, to aid in their efforts. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) • I can not over-emphasize that it is the responsibility of the NPS, not the Texas Historical Commission, to identify and contact local and statewide groups with an interest in the development of the trail during the NEPA process. Perhaps I am wrong, but I do not believe a federal agency's responsibilities can be given over to a state agency simply by virtue of the passage of state legislation. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) • Many groups across the State of Texas are passionately devoted to the preservation of the Camino Real. They deserve the opportunity not only to participate in its development but also to have an active voice in its future. I am confident that the NPS agrees with this and will find a way to bring this to fruition. Perhaps a listserv group devoted exclusively to the Trail would be in order. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) • The Hays County Historical Commission looks forward to working with the NPS and its staff in the future. Hays County has long been excited about the potential for the development of a National Historic Trail through our county. Furthermore, the Hays County Commissioners Court supports the development of this trail and we are speaking with the Court about ways in which the County can develop the full potential of the experience for visitors along the Camino Real. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) Protection of Trail Resources • With probable routes/corridors identified- these could be useful for developers to highlight as they place homes and businesses along the route. Since many areas will be developed-let those that locate there know the significance of the area to Mexican, Texas, and US history. Possibly find a way to attach a small fee on some development to preserve the history of parts of the trail. (Lee) • Take steps to identify significant sites that are threatened from decay or development and take steps to secure those sites as best as possible. (Lee) During the public scoping meetings, we expressed our concerns about the - 21 - Topic Comments methodology that may be employed in identifying the trail-related resources along the Camino Real. A well-defined research design will be an important factor in a successful inventory of historic and cultural resources. Such a research design should carefully outline the objectives of the inventory including the level of survey, the full range of methods to be utilized, and the expected results of the survey effort. I was disheartened at the response to my question at the public meeting when there was no mention made of the Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Identification. Surely it will be the intent of the National Park Service to utilize its own guidelines in undertaking a survey with this level of complexity. The response I did receive to my questions about survey methodology at the scoping meeting was that volunteers, along with help from the staff of the Texas Historical Commission and the use of the THC's Atlas, would be used in a preliminary inventory. The Hays County Historical Commission completed a multi-phase historic resources survey of the entire county between 1992 and 1996. I checked the THC Atlas against our survey materials and found that the data of only one of these surveys had been entered into the Atlas. Unfortunately, it was not one of the surveys covering the areas within the Camino Real alignments. As the survey was funded through the CLG Program (administered by the THC), a copy of each of the surveys is available in their office as well as with Hays County. I would suggest that an over-reliance on the Atlas could result in serious omissions in the inventory. The hard copies of all relevant surveys, available in the office of the National Register Division of THC, should also be consulted. Anyone accessing the Atlas for the purpose of compiling an inventory should also have access to information on archeological sites as well. Currently, special arrangements must be made for this level of access. If the National Park Service intends to continue with the volunteer efforts of the Texas Heritage Trails Program in compiling an inventory, it would be useful to edit and revise the inventory form that was mailed to county historical commissions. The author of the inventory form does not appear to understand the purpose of a historic resources survey and the NPS and THC should engage the input of their CRM staff for this purpose. The current form devotes very little space to describing and locating potential resources whereas a great deal of effort is used in collecting information on existing tourist spots. Therefore, the existing survey form misleads potential volunteers to the true purpose of such a survey in collecting data on specifically trail-related resources. More importantly, if the NPS and THC really believe that volunteers are a viable method for collecting this data, then it would be worthwhile to hold training programs in all of the communities to insure some fragment of consistency in the final product. The mapping of the resources is an integral part of such an inventory and there should be uniformity in the types of maps used by volunteers. The Hays County Historical Commission has formed a committee to work on issues relating to the Camino Real and will undertake an inventory of trail- related resources in our County, including the ruts and swales along CR 266. In Appendix C of your previous study, you described several resources at Aquarena Springs which are incorrect. There is no Spanish mission (San Xavier Mission) located at this site. Additional information on any remains of a grist mill would require further investigation. The "frontier home" is the - 22 - Topic Comments reconstructed log home of General Edward Burleson (1966). Additionally, the town of Gruene is located in Comal County. (National Historic Trail Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment for El Camino Real de los Tejas, p. 106). We will be in contact with the NPS in the future with more detailed information on resources along the alignments in Hays County. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) Research Projects • I do not believe that the NPS has effectively identified the individuals who can provide the most detailed and scholarly information available about the history of the road. A list of advisers would be useful to the NPS in developing a historic context. (Knight, Hays County Historical Commission) Types of Use • Have trail ride along various sections. (Lee) Visitor Experience • I would like to have a flagable Google Earth tour that would allow me to go at my own speed and go from altitude to ground level and look around to get the feel for the route. Somewhat similar to my first suggestion about the video tour. (Lee) - 23 - Appendix 3. Verbal Comments Recorded During Public Meetings Topic Comments Access • How do we get private landowners to open their trail up to the public? (Carrizo Springs) • Need to convince or work more closely with the private landowners so they will allow people on their property. (Carrizo Springs) • How does the public gain access to the trail on private property? (Cuero) • Are there any places where we can actually access the trail? (Cuero) Administrative Activities • Does the planning include targets for when signage, etc. is completed? (Bastrop) • Challenge cost share available. (Bastrop) • Need historian for ELTE. [El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT] Is the ELTE feasibility study on line? (Bastrop) • How will NPS work w/ ELTE Association? Directly or through THC [Texas Historical Commission]? (Bastrop) • How are visitor centers maintained built by NPS and other sites? (Bastrop) • Use recreational trail grants from TP&W [Texas Parks & Wildlife Department]. (Bastrop) • Need other opportunities for input. (Bastrop) • Explain how the trail will be administered region by region. (Laredo) • NHT should facilitate access to additional funding (FHWA-TEAZI, etc.). (Natchitoches) • Funding can help development of Los Adaes, etc. signage, u.c. development. (Natchitoches) • Challenge Cost Share interest. (Natchitoches) • Education is ongoing – identify a centralized place to coordinate information: GIS, includes interpretation, education. Best way to disseminate information. (Natchitoches) • Who will be administering and protecting the trail and resources? (San Antonio) • Get organized! Some things will be lost in two years. (San Antonio) American Indian Involvement • Caddo want nation-to-nation contact for planning of trail. (Natchitoches) • Choctaw-Apache tribe (state-recognized) want consultation too. (Natchitoches) Community Connections • Communities should celebrate release of new ELTE materials. Coordinated celebration. (Bastrop) • Significance of Crockett/Houston County to El Camino Tejas, educational programs, development of trail, memorable experiences. (Crockett) • Davy Crockett birthplace was built with Tennessee logs in a city park in Crockett. It is a replicate. (Crockett) • Davy Crockett statue (like Sam Houston in Huntsville). Trail of Texas Heroes. (Crockett) • What have communities done to be successful in drawing in heritage tourism? (Cuero) • Laredo – very unique place. It has seven flags. (Laredo) • Strong connection with this area and Native American communities. (Laredo) • Is there another group or association aside from the Web County HC in this - 24 - Topic Comments region? (Laredo) • Cross promotion of community events. (Nacogdoches) • Form local associations. (San Antonio) • Each county needs to be aware of what is going on with the trail. (San Antonio) • Linking communities to create a destination. (San Antonio) • Need to include smaller towns, etc. (San Antonio) Economic Opportunity • Economic advantage with possible tourism but where do we get the funds. (Carrizo Springs) • Any projections done on the economic impact of the trail? (Cuero) • Commercial tour operators-how do we engage them in the trail? Good opportunity for heritage tourism. (Laredo) • Bring tourists in from Houston. (San Antonio) • Need marketing contacts such as marketing directors. (San Antonio) • Involve current businesses that are located along the trail. (San Antonio) • Need a marketing plan and possible website. (San Antonio) Education Programs • Need to have reading materials and information in schools. Make materials accessible to younger population/students. (Cuero) • Portraying of different historical characters (i.e., in cemeteries, etc.) great educational opportunities. (Cuero) • El Camino Real is a great catalyst for re-integrating TX history in schools. Great for hands-on experiences. (Laredo) • Possibility of integrating trail history into schools in Laredo. (Laredo) • Children and adults need to have more awareness about the importance of Mexico and the trail. (Laredo) • Make textbooks. Texas history – appropriate amount of info on ELTE in books. (Nacogdoches) • Do literature/public outreach in English/Spanish and other languages. (San Antonio) • Build on the symposia that have occurred in the last years. (San Antonio) • Get grade and middle schools involved. (San Antonio) • Books written on trail need to be reprinted. (San Antonio) Interpretation Delivery/Location • Who keeps, writes, provides and stocks pamphlets, brochures? (Bastrop) • What types of brochures? NPS, NTSA and local efforts. (Bastrop) • Film should be given to communities and schools. (Bastrop) • Need to be practical. Tell story of the trail through the creation of brochures, websites, and also through education. Accessibility is minimal around here. (Carrizo Springs) • Should look into interpretive centers like this museum in Carrizo Springs. (Carrizo Springs) • Look at interpreting the trail through the use of interactive/virtual tourism (i.e. ‘Austin – Past and Present’). Particularly for children. (Carrizo Springs) • Museum in Carrizo Springs would be a good start/place for an interpretive center. (Carrizo Springs) • Possible murals on outside of buildings. (Crockett) • Is there a service that would disseminate information about the trail outside the local areas? (Cuero) • Is anyone working on an historical guide for the trail? (Cuero) - 25 - Topic Comments • Possibility of videos, interactive exhibits for the public. (Cuero) • San Augustine City presentation. Billboard, website, visitor’s center. Good example for public outreach. (Cuero) • ‘Sons of DeWitt County’ [have] great historical website. (Cuero) • Traveling exhibits are a great opportunity for heritage tourism. (Cuero) • Can do reenactments, activities involving craftsmanship, etc. What types of food did they eat? What types of music did they listen to? What types of poems and literature did they read? (Cuero) • Would like to see an outdoor interpretive center and some nature trails including crossing at river. (Cuero) • Possible canoe or kayaking trail. Tie in well with the above. (Cuero) • I enjoyed the film. Great filmography! (Cuero) • El Paso de los Indios- crossing point. Native history should be observed. (Laredo) • Possible reenactments. (Laredo) • Would like to see a map showing the route in Mexico. (Laredo) • Materials should be multi-lingual. (Laredo) • Stone Fort Museum – El Camino Real de los Tejas exhibit and video, educational workshops, etc. Public symposia (include natural resources also). (Nacogdoches) • TPWD interpreter – interested in identifying sites, the actual location – other interpretation. (Nacogdoches) • Involve SFA students (history, recreation, tourism). (Nacogdoches) • Web sites, billboards. (Nacogdoches) • El Camino Real de los Tejas Visitor Center in San Augustine. (Nacogdoches) • Are there plans for dissemination of information and interpretation, etc.? • Local website in Texas. (Nacogdoches) • How much information will be on NPS ELTE website? (Nacogdoches) • Trails association could be supplier of info to NPS website. Could establish one website resource for info. (Nacogdoches) • Maps and brochures – will there be public input on these? (Nacogdoches) • Emphasis on mission sites and associated tribes. San Francisco de los Tejas (near Crockett). (Natchitoches) • Need info. About all aspects of trail history. Need to get information out. Dissemination of information through public awareness. (Natchitoches) • Look at opportunity for regional centers of coordinated information collection and dissemination. (Natchitoches) • Need to promote gateways to ELTE. Not necessarily NPS visitor center but other types or visitor centers. (Natchitoches) • Itinerary for trail, good for contacts, site tie-in (like National Register). (Natchitoches) • Need more interpretation. (San Antonio) • Museums could function as visitor centers. (San Antonio) • Possible showing of ELTE movie to communities. (San Antonio) • Need maps, highway signage, videos. (San Antonio) • Come up with a permanent display for museums/template along with videos, brochures, books, etc. (San Antonio) - 26 - Topic Comments • Does legislation allow for new museums solely for the trail? (San Antonio) • Little, regional museums should also get involved – telling the local story. (San Antonio) • Convenient stores possible good place for housing information and public outreach. (San Antonio) Interpretive Topics/ Stories • Also look at important local events (historical), publicize local events, event agendas on website of NHT. (Bastrop) • Need end date of trail to help identify community heritage opportunities. (Bastrop) • Interpretation: need unified themes of interpretation, especially for education. (Bastrop) • Section west of San Antonio has been largely ignored. Need to include more history on Mexico and south of the border, as well. (Carrizo Springs) • What type of time frame does Tejas reflect? (Carrizo Springs) • There are traces and evidence of Caddoan pottery and trading going on along the trail close to Carrizo Springs. (Carrizo Springs) • Film selling short the origins of the trail. Film should be revised. (Carrizo Springs) • Will the heritage trail be multi-national, cultural, etc? Very important to include the diversity and history of all cultures/peoples involved in the history. (Carrizo Springs) • Mission Tejas and Caddoan Mounds. Ancient history and recent history-the road blended together. (Crockett) • The trail is called ‘the Super Highway.’ (Crockett) • Is this Texas’ original Trans Texas Corridor? (Crockett) • 5 years from now, 175th anniversary for Houston County. (Crockett) • Film needs revisions in the beginning. Needs more historical content and context. (Cuero) • The project could be the catalyst for more regional type information on the history of their counties. Try to focus more on individual counties. There’s so much history in each county. More research is needed. A great way to correct misinformation. Public needs to have a real understanding of the history. Primary source should be research. (Cuero) • The date of importance [significance] is very important. Need to include stories of those that weren’t always at the forefront (natives, etc.). (Cuero) • No city in Texas more so then Cuero in regards to river flooding. Stories of people crossing rivers during migration period. Very difficult to cross. People would have to wait long periods. (Cuero) • What is our part of the story (i.e., each community) within the whole story? (Cuero) • Folks could not only learn about the history [of river crossing] but the flora and fauna, as well. (Cuero) • What is the connection between southern TX and LA? (Laredo) • Trails about cultures on the move. Need to focus on the diversity and mobility of the trail. (Laredo) • Connections of cattle drivers – what is the history? (Laredo) • Mirando – a community in Laredo that distributes medicine to natives. A lot of Native American association with and along the trail. (Laredo) - 27 - Topic Comments • There are wonderful, natural resources. Let’s make sure we recognize them. (Nacogdoches) • “Reminiscing the Road: El Camino Real de los TejasNational Historic Trail from Los Adaes to the Trinity River” (East Texas Historical Association). (Nacogdoches) • “Why stop?”[Texas Roadside Markers] book on history markers. (Nacogdoches) • Where is the end of the trail? Fort site. Include story of Natchez trace. (Natchitoches) • Opportunities to tell local and cultural stories to compliment national stories. (Natchitoches) • Tie Creole communities to trail, especially along Cane River. (Natchitoches) • Be cautious with labels as ‘First,’ ‘Largest,’ ‘Best….’ This is counterproductive. (San Antonio) • Possible use of the plural ‘Caminos Reales.’ (San Antonio) • Spanish trail – not ours. County lines are not related to the trail – not annotated in the history. (San Antonio) • Need calendar of events [along ELTE]. (San Antonio) Location/Mapping of Trail • Is there a map of the trail in Bastrop? (Bastrop) • How to I.D. the trail. Many variants in route (i.e. weather variations). (Bastrop) • Note that no road between Cuero and Goliad but film shows a road there. Need to resolve that discrepancy. (Bastrop) • Need active GIS map of trail. (Bastrop) • Find actual trail sites. River crossings, trail ruts. (Bastrop) • I.D. all of downtown Bastrop. All of stretch of river near crossing. (Bastrop) • Paso de Francia – one of the original crossings of 5 total crossings. Make correction. (Carrizo Springs) • Are there any detailed maps? (Crockett) • How do we distinguish the ELTE from other El Camino Real trails. (Crockett) • Connecting OSR to Camino Tejas. (Crockett) • Do we know the actual route of the trail? (Cuero) • Problem with the map – two issues: 18 miles and 23 years. The location of La Bahia is unclear in the study. Not clear on how long (distance) the trail is in the study. Confusion with ‘La Bahia’ and Goliad. Was not there until 1749. Presidio is at a different location. (Cuero) [Commenter submitted documentation for NPS consideration.] • Some of the best historians in Texas contributed to making this map. Major historical attractions along the trail. Would have stuck with the main trail. (Cuero) • Questioning accuracy of routes-in the map…black line/route came much later. Some routes have more significance. San Antonio/La Bahia/ Nacogdoches. (San Antonio) • Bill included route from Goliad to Cuero in legislation (San Antonio). • Various corridors that have 4 to 5 different routes, which has led to confusion. Go back and look at the maps. (San Antonio) • Not just a road or corridor but an area. (San Antonio) - 28 - Topic Comments • 1726-1749 La Bahia was on the Guadalupe not the San Antonio. There was no Cuero until 1873. (San Antonio) Logo • Review Los Adaes S.P. logo for trail logo. (Natchitoches) • When will logo be developed? Consider other images already in use. Look at Los Adaes sign. (Natchitoches) • Possible symbols for logos: Mission bells, Soldado de Cuero on horseback, Spanish Soldier (San Antonio) Marking Trail/ Wayfinding • Signage concerns: identify sites, put up signs. Who will do it? They should be same kind: uniform signage. (Bastop) • Prioritize marking best known routes, cross roads. (Bastrop) • What about King’s Highway markers? DAR markers. (Bastrop) • Make DAR markers part of the trail. (Bastrop) • Possibility of some type of identification for those that are visiting or researching the trail. (Carrizo Springs) • Important to install signage around Carrizo Springs to point people to tourist and trail-related attractions. (Carrizo Springs) • What types of markers does NPS erect? (Carrizo Springs) • Markers need to be sturdy and NPS needs to consider the possibility of vandalism. (Carrizo Springs) • Markers along trail- Davy Crockett Springs Park on Hwy 21-mural plaque on ‘Old San Antonio Road.’ (Crockett) • Establish signs historic sites to get folks off the interstate. (Crockett) • Possibility of putting markers to direct public to crossings and trail resources along the road. (Cuero) • Will there be funding by NPS for signage? Many public sites along trail in this county. (Cuero) • Would it be possible to mark crossings on a paddling tour? (Cuero) • TXDOT could possibly identify and mark wagon trails that are now county and state roads. (Cuero) • Can you put up markers on private property? Possibility of putting markers at public/private boundaries. (Laredo) • Possible DAR marker presentation. (Nacogdoches) • What happens to DAR markers, other markers on the trail? (Natchitoches) • What is trail related and not trail related? (Natchitoches) • Is there any current protection for existing [DAR] markers? ‘Zivley’ [V.N. Zivley surveyed and marked the route in 1915-16] to locate markers. (San Antonio) • Need historic sites identified and need markers (i.e., visible parts of trail). (San Antonio) • Possible installation of other less expensive signs. (San Antonio) Partnerships • River trails cross ELTE frequently. Need to keep focus on these opportunities. (Bastrop) • NPS is focal point of putting partners together. (Bastrop) • Emphasis on heritage tourism – eco development. (Bastrop) • Education – the key for more understanding and flexibility from land owners. (Carrizo Springs) • Try to reach out to the wives of ranchers. Based on personal experience, they seem to be more interested. (Carrizo Springs) - 29 - Topic Comments • Should always, at least, ask or approach the landowners. (Carrizo Springs) • Forming partnerships on the local level – need to work from the local level. (Carrizo Springs) • People in Mexico are willing and desire to participate. (Carrizo Springs) • When do we contact and work with the people south of the border? (Carrizo Springs) • Partnerships with other communities. (Crockett) • THC as partner – Texas Heritage Trails program. (Crockett) • Divide Camino Tejas trail into sections – partnerships. (Crockett) • Working with private landowners. (Crockett) • Identify assets – work together. (Crockett) • Need to reach outside beyond our county. (Crockett) • DAR [Daughters of the American Revolution] and DTR [Daughters of the Republic of Texas] are great resources for partnerships and erecting markers. (Cuero) • How much do we interface with SAT [Save America’s Treasures] and can NPS work with transportation funds? (Cuero) • An opportunity for Victoria County to work with Goliad. We should cooperate with Goliad. Could be a bus tour to the sites. Many opportunities out there which require partnerships. (Cuero) • What happens on private property? How do we get the private landowners to comply and get involved? (Laredo) • Private industrial Land – is there a technique/method to approach (absentee owners) identify separately. (Nacogdoches) • [Texas] Pineywoods Experience – Fermata [consulting firm focused on nature-based tourism] (Nacogdoches) • Partnerships very important to TPWD. (Nacogdoches) • How can we extend development into Mexico? Would like to see work with Mexico to extend trail to Mexico. (Natchitoches) • Scenic byways with kiosk and wayside interpretation. Sabine River Authority. Heritage Tourism Commission. Can be integrated into ELTE interpretive development. (Natchitoches) • What is interaction with Water Boards, River Authority? Tourism commission assumes responsibility for development of promotions. (Natchitoches) • Timber company owns much of ELTE in Louisiana. (Natchitoches) • Involvement of Creole culture. Need additional contact and visits. (Natchitoches) • Louisiana group should organize to promote LA trail resources, a lot of focus on local history but need organization to tell trail-wide story, need coordination of groups to assume all trail is respected. (Natchitoches) • Strong interest in working with Mexico, extending marking of trail in Mexico. International conference; scholars, tourism, preservation, marketing, ties with state parks, INAH [Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia] has visited Los Adaes. (Natchitoches) • Work with private landowners. (San Antonio) • What is the function and role of the THC? (San Antonio) • Need to get local organizations involved. (San Antonio) - 30 - Topic Comments Promoting the Trail • How can public help NPS promote trail? (Bastrop) • Family Fun Day at Caddoan Mounds in June to promote the trail. (Crockett) • Promoting the trail (i.e., map and brochures) in businesses. (Crockett) • Could possibly use bill/sign boards along roads to promote the trail. (Cuero) • Website – use for promotion. (Laredo) • In which ways will the NPS do public outreach? Some ideas like T.V. (Laredo) • What is the promotional plan for the trail? 3 sites of Office of State Parks can work with NPS for promotion, web link. (Natchitoches) Protection of Trail Resources • Need inventory of sites especially if FONSI [Finding of No Significant Impact] is to be made. (Bastrop) • Need to establish an accurate inventory of resources. (Carrizo Springs) • Important to preserve valuable/important resources in and around Laredo. How can we fund this? (Laredo) • Must try to identify the trail resources, historical inventory of the buildings. Need to go back and find out how they are and what they are. (Laredo) • Are we in competition with Trans Texas corridor? It may disturb parts of the trail. (Laredo) • Comprehensive inventory of site for entire trail (with landowner participation). (Nacogdoches) • Is TXDOT involved? Funding for this. Counties need to be involved. Expansion of hwy 21 would impact many resources. (Nacogdoches) • What has been done to identify resources in Louisiana? (Natchitoches) • ELTE crosses El Camino E-W- corridor. Those sites should especially be identified around Sabine. (Natchitoches) • Focus on identification of resources. Focus on working with land owners to allow preservation of extant resource. (Natchitoches) • Possibility of inventorying features and resources on paper and GIS. (San Antonio) • Some type of survey form needed. (San Antonio) • Threat assessments are needed – different types. (San Antonio) • Need documentation and organizational structure. (San Antonio) • Need to create database to compile lists of resources including oral histories, possible publications. (San Antonio) Research Projects • Linking resources to historical records. (San Antonio) • The website www.texascaminoreal.com has compilation of resources. Ten years old and out of date. Need to tackle advantage of information we have. Need to build on that. (San Antonio) • Must agree on a series of ‘expert’ witnesses. Employ them in further research. Authorities must be recognized nationally and internationally. (San Antonio) • Research must be based on expert Spanish evidence. Go back and look at the literature in Spanish. (San Antonio) Support for Trail Designation • Feds give it national recognition. (Laredo) • National publicity – adding to national trail system map. (Nacogdoches) Types of Use • Possibility of arranging tour groups to visit sites and trail on private property. (Carrizo Springs) • Walking trail connecting sites. (Crockett) - 31 - Topic Comments • Enlargement of Mission Tejas – State Park – RV spaces. (Crockett) • Trinity River – Alabama Crossing (private property). Develop something along Trinity River, Neches River Crossing. (Crockett) • Hiking/biking combo trail would be nice. (Cuero) • It would be nice to allow public to recreate, hike and camp along the trail. (Laredo) • Getting permission from land owners to actually see the trail and walk it. (Laredo) Visitor Experience • Two BIG questions to ask: 1. What do you want the public to see? 2. What do you want them to do when they’re there? (Cuero) • Get off the road and experience the trail. (Nacogdoches) • Not too much to see, ELTE needs to be more visual. (Natchitoches) Visitor Safety • Fires are a big concern in this area. It’s a safety issue. (Carrizo Springs) • If there are injuries along the trail on private property who is liable and how do you address that? (Cuero)