SARA GM: "Community engagement is essential to safeguarding the river system"

At a recent Rotary Club luncheon, members welcomed Derek Boese, General Manager and CEO of the San Antonio River Authority (SARA), for an engaging and informative presentation on the agency’s mission, current projects, and long-term goals for the region’s waterways.

Boese, a U.S. Army veteran and former hurricane defense manager in New Orleans, brought his engineering and legal expertise to San Antonio four years ago. He now leads a 12-member elected board representing urban and rural communities across Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. He emphasized SARA’s focus on keeping the San Antonio River system safe, clean, and enjoyable—a mission that includes flood control, environmental health, public recreation, and community engagement.

Among the major highlights of his talk:

• Flood Management and Water Quality: SARA manages 42 dams and is one of only two Texas agencies authorized by FEMA to conduct its own floodplain mapping. It also oversees stormwater runoff and river health.
  
• Recreation and Access: Through partnerships and public events like the Fiesta Flotilla and an upcoming downtown kayak race, SARA promotes public enjoyment of the river. A board initiative is also exploring swimmable river areas.
  
• Major Projects:
  
  
  • San Pedro Creek Culture Park has recently opened after seven years of work, transforming a neglected urban drainage ditch into a vibrant public space.
    
  • Westside Creeks Restoration, a $200M federal-local partnership, aims to return concrete-lined channels like Alazán and Apache Creeks to more natural, community-friendly conditions.
    
  • Bear County Creeks and Trails Program, with $240M in funding, is expanding the local trail network, including projects like Spirit Reach at Brackenridge Park that will connect green spaces across the city.
    
• Strategic Planning and Environmental Protection: SARA is pursuing land acquisitions in floodplains, promoting native vegetation, and planning water conservation efforts in response to regional drought concerns. Boé stressed that “native plants and smarter infrastructure” will be key to a sustainable water future.
  
• Trash and Invasive Species: Boé candidly addressed challenges like river trash accumulation and invasive apple snails. SARA operates clean-up crews and partners with over 1,000 volunteers in its “River Warriors” program to help maintain river health.
  

Boese concluded with a spirited Q&A, fielding questions about specific neighborhood projects, desalination, and environmental education. His call to action was clear: while SARA has significant capabilities and partnerships, community engagement is essential to safeguarding the river system for generations to come.

The Rotary Club of San Antonio extends its sincere thanks to Derek Boese for his leadership and to Patrice Melancon, a member of SARA’s board, for arranging the visit. We look forward to supporting the continued health and enjoyment of our city’s most iconic natural resource.