Hill Country Alliance News
March 9, 2010
Ranchers team up with feds to clear cedar, boost water supply
As water supplies become more valuable, conservationists say proper range management is an important way to improve them in urban areas, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service has begun an effort it calls Rural Land-Urban Water to promote the connection to urban audiences. "We can't make it rain in Texas when and where it's needed," state conservationist Don Gohmert said. "But conservation measures on the state's vast rural lands can increase the amount, and improve the quality, of water available to Texas cities." Read full Statesman.com article here.
March 8, 2010
Drop by Drop: Seven Ways Texas Cities Can Conserve Water
The National Wildlife Federation and the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club released a joint report today recommending seven common-sense water conservation measures. The report reviews 19 cities around the state to see where these measures are in place and concludes that, with some exceptions, most of the cities surveyed are not doing enough to make the most efficient use of existing water supplies. Read more...
3rd Annual LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour Set for March
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park announces the 3rd annual LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour, “A Ride to Preserve History.” Details
March 5, 2010
Watershed group meetings slated for spring in Seguin, New Braunfels
The Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Partnership will conduct various workgroup meetings this spring in Seguin and New Braunfels. Data obtained from these group meetings will be used in watershed characterization and evaluation toward developing a Watershed Protection Plan. Read more
March 2, 2010
Hill Country Deserves Protection of Environmental Impact Statement
Organizations across the Hill Country are asking state and federal agencies to ensure that protecting the Hill Country environment is a primary consideration as sites are selected for the high-voltage transmission lines soon to be built throughout the region. Read full media release here.
Meeting tonight in Mason regarding transmission lines.
The Texas Hill Country Heritage Association will hold its next public meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mason School Cafeteria.The purpose of the meeting is to give the citizens of the County, City and surrounding areas an update on the current status of the 345 kV transmission line. Learn more...
March 1, 2010
An Open letter to LCRA and PUC
The LCRA is finished with this last round of open houses but people in the Hill Country still have many concerns. It’s not too late to send in your comments. Read this open letter from one landowner and learn more. Read more...
February 28, 2010
State aims to make groundwater rules more uniform
With just about every drop of river water already spoken for, suppliers, especially in Central Texas, are turning to underground water in counties to the east as the next big source. But they face a problem because groundwater districts, set up as individual fiefdoms meant to reflect local histories and philosophies about water and land use, have different permitting rules and sensibilities. Read full Statesman.com article here.
February 24, 2010
Power Line Concerns Draw More Than 500
More than 500 citizens from Gillespie County gathered at Pioneer Pavilion Thursday for a transmission line open house held by the Lower Colorado River Authority. Read full Fredericksburg Standard article here.
GMA9 decides on more public hearings
The board of GMA9 has decided to hold three more public hearings — in Kerrville, Wimberley and Boerne — in the coming months before it establishes new Desired Future Conditions for the Edwards Aquifer. Read full Kerrville Daily Times article here.
Transfer of Development Rights at work
The Regional Water Quality Protection Plan calls for a system of TDRs or Transfer of Development Rights where developers are allowed to increase density in cities by purchasing the development rights on land that has been designated for preservation in rural areas. Find out how this is working in Washington here. What’s missing in Texas is a county or regional tool for implementing such a program outside the municipalities.
Baldcypress carries drought information
Researchers from the University of Arkansas are conducting a tree ring study of baldcypress trees around the region. Core samples taken from the trees will establish a record of rainfall for the region and gain insight into just how long droughts can last in Texas. Read full San Antonio Express article here.
Dept. of Interior Launches WaterSMART Initiative
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signed a Secretarial order establishing a new water sustainability strategy for the United States on February 22. The “WaterSMART” Secretarial Order has several parts, all of which are focused on improving water conservation and helping water and resource managers make wise decisions about water use. Read full Smarth Growth Online article here.
February 22, 2010
2010 Hill Country Alliance Photo Contest begins March 1st
The Texas Hill Country is a photographer’s paradise. Creeks are once again flowing, and the forecast calls for a green spring with plenty of wildflowers. Now is the time to dust off your camera and head outside to capture the beauty and mystique of this special region. Read full media release here.
A Hill Country Victory – Developer agrees to scale back
San Geronimo Valley Alliance ("SGVA") announces that a settlement agreement has been finalized between SGVA and the developer of the proposed Hills of Castle Rock development located ten miles northwest of Helotes. For details about the settlement click here.
February 21, 2010
PEC board ready to cement new rules
Over the past few years, Pedernales Electric Cooperative has become associated less with its historical role of supplying power to the Texas Hill Country and more with lavish spending, secretive management and legal woes. After beginning a series of reforms in 2008, the Pedernales board is poised today to enact new bylaws and proposed amendments to the organization's articles of incorporation that will make the changes permanent. Read full Statesman.com article here.
February 18, 2010
House Committee on Special Districts
Speaker Joe Straus announced the creation of the House Select Committee on Special Purpose Districts. The committee will review and make recommendations for improving public accountability and transparency in the governance and operation of special purpose districts with particular focus on water-related districts. Read more...
February 17, 2010
The language of water politics is often murky
If you're out of the habit of talking to folks who study water policy for a living, meetings on its future in Texas can feel like they're unfolding in a language you do not speak. You study people's faces for signs: the knowing nods at phrases like “rule of capture” and “prior appropriation.” You hope no one asks you a question. But you can learn things if you're patient, though you might have to do your own translating. And some of what you learn is alarming. Read full SA Express article here.
Gillespie County residents heat up over transmission lines
A new website has been launched offering a “plea for common sense” in the Hill Country and information about LCRA plans. The site encourages landowners to sign a petition urging specific action. Click here.
2010 HCA Calendar close out sale!
We have a few boxes of calendars left and would love to find them good homes. They are terrific for distributing at community events, festivals, schools and neighborhoods. Conatact HCA to find out about ordering some for yourself your organization or your business.
Water Symposium Essay Contest – Inform your schools!
Schreiner University and the Water Symposium project announce a student essay contest for elementary, middle and high school students. “Kids, Water and Science: Perspectives from our Future”. Learn more...
February 16, 2010
Clear View Alliance exhibits Model of Monstrous Lattice Tower at LCRA Open Houses
To illustrate the impact that lattice towers will have on the Hill Country viewscape, Clear View Alliance members (CVA) worked all last week to build a surprise for those who attend the Lower Colorado River Valley Authority (LCRA) Open Houses on transmission line routes in the coming weeks. Read full CVA article here.
Farm & Range Forum Tackles Sustaining the Texas Hill Country and Honors David Langford with Keystone Award
On February 26th and 27th, 2010, the Bexar Audubon Society, Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas, the Hill Country Alliance, the Texas Wildlife Association, and the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will host the 7th Farm & Range Forum, “Sustaining the Hill Country — Now and for Future Generations.” - Read more here.
February 15, 2010
Shock Treatment - Negotiating Transmission Line Easements
The Trans-Texas Corridor threatened to take massive amounts of land for transportation purposes before the project was scrapped. Now, with wind turbines sprouting up across Texas, the need for transmission lines sets the stage for more condemnation of private land. Read more here.
February 13, 2010
Cow Creek GCW plans to challenge GMA ruling
In an effort to protect Boerne’s surface water sources, the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District board approved a resolution Monday challenging the Texas Water Development Board’s recent decision that the desired future conditions adopted by the executive committee of Groundwater Management Area 9 are unreasonable. Read full Boerne Star article here.
February 10, 2010
Edward Aquifer moves towards impervious cover limits in the Hill Country
The board of the Edwards Aquifer Authority on Tuesday moved toward limiting development over the entire recharge zone of the aquifer from Hays to Uvalde counties. Controlling the amount of impervious cover, or the square footage of parking lots and roofs, on top of the recharge zone is a step the authority has contemplated since 2003 to protect water quality. Read full SA Express article here.
Registration opens for Land Conservation Conference
Don’t miss early bird savings – register today for the 2010 Statewide Land Conservation Conference hosted by the Texas Land Trust Council and underwritten by Land/Water/Sky. Held April 28-30 this is a great opportunity to share and learn with the conservation and land trust community. Details and Registration
LCRA Open House: Community Values and High Voltage Transmission Lines
Citizens of the Hill Country have strong community values. The LCRA and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) take notice when the public stands up and takes pride in its community values. Read more...
February 9, 2010
Dahlstrom Ranch Preserved for Future Generations
A rare collaboration to preserve and restore a threatened Texas ranch makes conservation history. Find out more from the Hill Country Conservancy here.
Hays County calls for Rainwater Revival Volunteers
Calling all rainwater enthusiasts...join us February 23rd at 6:30 to participate in the planning of the Hays County Rainwater Revival. Learn more here.
Wildlife and Habitat Notes
Check out a terrific new newsletter bringing ideas to Hill Country landowners for best practices and conservation land management. Read it here.
February 8, 2010
Must Read for Hill Country Landowners
Jim Stanley’s The Hill Country Landowner’s Guide, available from TAMU Press, is a practical guide to for all Hill Country landowners and everyone interested in Hill Country preservation. A Texas master naturalist specializing in native plants and land management, Jim served three terms as president of the Hill Country chapter of Texas Master Naturalists. He is also an active member of the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Riverside Nature Center in Kerrville, Texas. More
February 7, 2010
Wind-generated electricity will require wide swaths of land
The vast wind farms of West Texas promise to put a dent in the demand for coal-fired electric plants. But delivering that green energy to where it's needed most — the state's biggest cities — will leave scars on some of the most coveted land. Read full SA Express article here.
PLTA opposes discharge into Lake Travis
The latest Protect Lake Travis Association newsletter follows Lake Travis issues such as a proposed discharge permit in Burnet, why it is being protested and the LCRA Water resource planning process. Read more
February 6, 2010
Bandera settles with business refusing water
A two-year standoff is ending between the city and a businesswoman who refused to take municipal water because she'd installed a rainwater catchment system on her new building. Read full SA Express article here.
February 4, 2010
Preservation Texas Names Herff Farm in Boerne to its Seventh Annual List of Texas' Most Endangered Historic Places
Herff Farm, a historic farmstead in the German-settled Texas Hill Country in Kendall County, is one of seven sites that Preservation Texas, Inc. has named to its seventh annual list of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places. Read full media release here.
Hearing begins for hotly debated power line route
In a case that will help determine the final route of a proposed transmission line hooking up West Texas wind farms to the state's population centers, private landowners and the Lower Colorado River Authority will square off today before an administrative law judge. Read full Statesman.com article here.
LCRA TSC hosts seven transmission project open houses in February to gather public input
LCRA Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA TSC) invites the public to attend open houses planned in February in Junction, Menard, Mason, Fredericksburg, Eldorado, Kerrville and Sonora concerning a new transmission line project expected to be built by 2013. The project may impact Schleicher, Sutton, Menard, Kimble, Mason, Kerr, Kendall and Gillespie counties. Read more here.
February 2, 2010
Texas Rancher An Unlikely Environmentalist
J David Bamberger “has become a champion of land stewardship and habitat restoration... and it's rubbing off on his fellow ranchers”. NPR featured a wonderful story about Bamberger Ranch last week. Just in case you missed it... read it here.
Langford Selected for Inaugural Keystone Award for Lifetime Contributions to Land and Wildlife Conservation
David K. Langford is a steadfast conservationist, well-respected regionally and nationally. In recognition of his lifetime of service conserving our agricultural heritage and protecting native wildlife, wildlife habitat, and natural lands in Texas, Langford will receive the inaugural Keystone Award at a reception held at Becker Vineyards in Stonewall, Texas, from 5:00 to 7:00pm, Friday, February 26th. Read full release here.
Envision Central Texas Community Stewardship Awards
Apply now for the ECT Community Stewardship Awards. Nominations are accepted through February 26th. ECT honors people, projects and processes that help advance the ECT preferred growth vision. Learn more here.
February 1, 2010
Hill Country Energy Transmission Lines – the process continues
Gillespie County citizen’s group, Save our Scenic Hill Country Environment recently posted updates regarding the push for monopoles, public meetings regarding routes, news stories and the PUC process. Details
January 29, 2010
Texas Water Development Board earns “Atta Boy”
Preserve Our Water commends the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for its decision regarding the protest of the Groundwater Management Area 9 Desired Future Condition (DFC) for the Edwards/Trinity aquifer component. Read full Preserve our Water release here.
January 28, 2010
Garner State Park to Add 177 Acres in Land Purchase
One of Texas’ most beloved outdoor recreation destinations — Garner State Park near Concan — will be adding a 177-acre tract that includes the iconic bluff known as Old Baldy as the result of a land deal struck with a willing, conservation-minded landowner. Read full TPWD media release here.
January 26, 2010
LCRA wants input for long range water supply planning
Now is the time to let LCRA know your ideas for managing the water in the Highland Lakes. Meetings will be held in Austin, Burnet and El Campo, you can also provide input in writing or take an online survey. Learn more...
January 25, 2010
Burnet’s wastewater treatment plant - threats to Lake Travis, not to mention utility bills
The city is planning for a new plant with more than twice the discharge into Hamilton Creek (and Lake Travis). One reader’s comments question the cost and the logic when we know better now and have excellent models for beneficial re-use, smarter more responsible solutions. More...
January 22, 2010
Texas Water Development Board finds GMA 9 future conditions unreasonable
In a special meeting Thursday in Austin, the Texas Water Development Board said the desired future conditions adopted by the executive committee of Groundwater Management Area 9 are unreasonable. The board of directors of the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District has strongly backed the GMA-9 position and Cow Creek Board President Tommy Mathews is a member of the GMA-9 executive committee. Thursday’s ruling was a significant blow to local water planners. Read full Boerne Star article here. Read comments about this article here.
January 18, 2010
Groundwater Conservation Districts
Most of the water consumed in Texas is groundwater. As the demand for this precious resource grows, so does its need for management and protection. Read full TECQ article here.
January 17, 2010
Transmission line faces state approval
The state utilities commission will decide on the final route of a 345-kilovolt transmission line that passes through Lampasas County this spring, but first it must review the project and objections at a hearing next month. Read full KDH article here.
January 14, 2010
Citizens Advisory Committee of the Southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan - Meeting Jan 19
Citizens Advisory Committee of the Southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan will be meeting Tuesday, January 19 at San Antonio River Systems - Click here to view agenda.
January 13, 2010
Blanco County conservation work group
The Blanco County News announces a community task force to look and conservation recommendations for programs implemented by the NRCS. January 26th at 9:00 am is your opportunity to be involved. Read full BCN article here.
January 11, 2010
The Desired Future Conditions Conference - Jan 20-21 in Austin
The Texas A&M Graduate Water Program, Texas Agrilife Extension and the Texas Water Development Board have planned a conference addressing pumping limits for Texas’ aquifers and the desired future condition process. Read about the details and how to register here.
January 9, 2010
Green Building lecture and book signing at the Wildflower
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is hosting a free lecture and book signing January 20th at 7pm. Building an Emerald City, is a roadmap to help policy makers, public officials and green building advocates develop programs to create more sustainable communities. Check it out
PEC Bylaws Forum January 13th
Pedernales Electric Cooperative invites its members to participate in a special meeting to look at the Bylaws and potentially for a members "bill of rights". January 13th, 6-9 pm in Johnson City. Read more
January 7, 2010
Attorney Calls For Centralized Groundwater Management In Texas
“I am convinced that the current system of groundwater management in Texas is an obsolete model and has no place in Texas in the 21st century.” That was one of the opening remarks offered by Steve Kosub, water resource counsel for the San Antonio Water System, at a recent Texas Water Law conference sponsored by the University of Texas School of Law. Read full Livestock Weekly article here.
Texas Water Symposium January 28th in Junction
Join us for the second in the 2009-10 series of discussions and forums about Texas water issues. The symposium’s topic will be “Climate Change and Impacts on Floods, Weather and Drought in Texas: What Controversy?” - Details.
January 6, 2010
Imagine Austin
Be a part of Austin’s Comprehensive Plan - “Imagine Austin”. Learn more, take the survey, host a meeting, be involved, now is the time to provide input and participate! Learn more here.
Read more news in HCA's News Archive
