Salado spring bubbles up controversy

On Sunday Aug. 10, 2008 a friend of mine suggested we visit a wonderful little spot along the Salado Creek and it truly was a little piece of paradise. As we sat enjoying the view and wondering of the story behind the mermaid statue a lovely local named Pat Scheumack came along. She kindly told us the story of the catfish and the mermaid. As we sat talking to her she told of the generations of her family who had come to this same spot and how it has changed over the years. We were saddened by her story and yet felt fortunate that we too were able to bring our children to play in the natural spring water. During our little stay there our children happened to catch two small Salado Salamanders of whom we learned are an endangered species. Overcome with joy and almost in tears Pat Scheumack told us that this little creature's habitat was being threatened and that she was was on a mission to save the springs that are his home. Our children had no idea what they possessed in their little hands and they didn't understand the significance of what they had found. We are sad to hear that the springs of which are home to the Salado Salamander are in danger of being lost. We hope that this little paradise on earth remains and that our children can someday share the beauty and wonder of these springs with their children.

i live there its a lie Pat scheumack dug the hole and sold the rocks at her indian artifacts store. The hole was over 6 feet deep and a danger to small children. thats why they covered it up. There is no threat to the springs or the salamander. The springs have flowed for centuries and will continue to flow through the rocks. Pat does tend to be very convincing though! She does not even live in Salado and never has.