In 1846 when Comal County was founded with an area of 575 square miles, it had a population of 1,700. The U.S. Census Bureau has estimated the 2018 population to be 148,373, a 37% increase over the last eight years. Or, as the Herald-Zeitung’s April 20 editorial “Growth requires looking forward not backward” points out, by over 7,000 people in the last year. The paper’s editorial states, “There are people in the community who must climb past the notion that it can somehow turn back the clock and instead turn their eyes forward to the future.”
I will posit that it is those who are now advocating protecting open spaces who have their eyes turned toward the future. They understand that protecting lands means protecting our water resources — the aquifers, springs, creeks and rivers; the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of our farming and ranching county; and the diverse and precious wildlife and vegetation.
Read more from the Eva Silverfine Ott in the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung here.