Martinez Creek Dam No. 5

When it was constructed in 1964, the Martinez Creek Dam was designed to protect agricultural lands. Since that time, development in the area has increased and the lake formed by the dam is an integral part of the city of Live Oak’s park system. County officials applied to the NRCS Small Watershed Rehabilitation Program for grants to rehabilitate the dam since its hazard level had increased from low to high. Since the dam was raised and the spillway upgraded, engineers now expect the dam to last another 100 years.

Photo courtesy of the San Antonio River Authority.