Hill Country Alliance News

August 31, 2010

Texas Completes Key Groundwater Planning Step

An intensive process to plan out the maximum depletion of aquifers over the next half-century has been completed just ahead of the Sept. 1 deadline. Read full Texas Tribune article here.

August 30, 2010

Wind transmission lines across Hill Country face holdup at Public Utility Commission

By the time the first segment of the Hill Country line came before the commission in April, the commissioners told the LCRA to go back to the drawing board on proposed routes. And now, with commission Chairman Barry Smitherman signaling his unwillingness to go forward, the commissioners appear to be on the verge of scotching the line altogether. Read full Statesman.com article here.

Endangered Historic Place” in the Hill Country

Preservation Texas has called for nominations for its annual naming of “Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places”. Nominations are due October 15th. HCA has resources and people who will help. Think about a special place that deserves help with preservation and public attention and take it upon yourself to get the ball rolling. Learn more

August 24, 2010

Riparian Landowner’s Workshops scheduled for October

Riparian areas are important components of the landscape and water cycle. Please read Steve Nelle’s (NRCS) “Riparian Notes”, learn about taking care of your water resources. More information and details about upcoming workshops here.

TCEQ Considers lower water quality standards. SARA says “clean enough to swim in”

The board of the San Antonio River Authority has come out against the state lowering water quality standards for any of the creeks and rivers it oversees. Other Hill Country river basins are looking at this issue carefully. Sign a petition supporting high standards and learn more here.

Mainstreet Architect Introduces Design Guideline Process to Blanco

The first Design Guideline Public Meeting was held on Tuesday evening, July 27, 2010 at the Blanco Public library at 6 p.m. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce to Blanco citizens and business owners the steps involved in developing design guidelines for the city. Read more from Blanco County News here.

Kerr Wildlife Management Area to be Dedicated Aug. 27th

New, $1.8 million conference center to be dedicated Aug. 27 at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area will provide Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with a quality venue for presenting habitat management and ecological programs to thousands of landowners, students and researchers. More…

UGRA to host Watershed Stewards event this Thursday

August 26th from 8 am – 4pm in Kerrville. Free, one-day workshop designed to help watershed residents improve and protect their watershed, the Guadalupe River above Canyon Lake. Details

August 23, 2010

Water Matters: Highland Lakes Group

One thing that almost everyone involved with water supply from groundwater agrees with, including users, marketers and regulators alike, is that the volume of water pumped from an aquifer should not exceed the natural recharge of water into the aquifer” Read Water Matters.

Capitol Area transportation planning news

The Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's (CAMPO’s) August “CAMPO Connection” features information about the newly adopted 2035 Plan and ECT’s forum taking place on September 10th, “Innovate or Stagnate: Can New Approaches to Infrastructure Development Transform our Region?

August 20, 2010

Hill Country elected officials urging re-evaluation of transmission lines

Public officials participated in the August 19th PUC Open Meeting in Austin; “CREZ transmission line would have a significant negative impact on the Hill Country which is truly a unique area…” Read the summary from SOS Hill Country here. Senator Fraser continues to push for use of existing rights of way. Read Fraser’s letter to the PUC dated Aug 19th here.

Rainwater Revival announces speaker and live music line-up

The Rainwater Revival today announced the speaker and live music line-up for this outdoor festival created to celebrate the timeless conservation practice of rainwater collection. Read more here.

August 18, 2010

TWCA Fall Meeting Scheduled for October 13-15

State Representative Doug Miller and TWDB Board Member Thomas Weir Labatt III will headline the fall meeting of the Texas Water Conservation Association (TWCA), scheduled for October 13-15, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio. The program will also include numerous presentations on surface and groundwater management. Registration information and a full agenda should be available on the TWCA website by mid-August.

TCEQ recognizes need for Hays, Travis, Comal Groundwater District

The TCEQ issued a report that draws the conclusion that an order be issued to create a Groundwater Conservation District to include Western Travis, Hays and Comal Counties. The report was filed June 30th and is available online here. More information here. A hearing has been set for set for October 28, 2010 at the Hays County Courthouse at 10:00 a.m. Click here for details.

August 17, 2010

Hill Country power line may not be needed, state grid operator says

A controversial power line proposed to cross the Hill Country to transmit wind power from West Texas may not have to get built after all, according to a letter Tuesday from the agency operating the state's electricity grid. Read full Statesman.com article here.

Senator Fraser Announces Gillespie-Newton Transmission Line Unnecessary

Senator Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) announced on Tuesday that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has determined that the Gillespie to Newton transmission line is not necessary to solve congestion problems as part of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone project. Read more here.

August 12, 2010

Hays County picks Nicholson Ranch for Conservation

Nicholson Ranch tract may contain some karst features, which allow substances to more easily enter aquifers. The property includes a small section of Glen Rose limestone, is at the headwaters of Onion Creek, includes several branches of the creek, and may possess springs. Read full San Marcos News article here.

August 11, 2010

Great Video About Bear Springs Blossom Preserve

Peter and Marianne Bonenberger were recently awarded a Lone Star Land Steward Award for their excellent work educating the public about land conservation and active restoration practices. Texas Parks & Wildlife put together a great video about the Bonenbergers that is now available. Take five minutes and see what these awesome folks have been doing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6m8pLdxxww

American Planning Association/Texas Conference October 6-9 in San Antonio

Water, Wind and Solar Resources - will there be enough for our growing State? Other topics include; physical and social sustainability planning; planning services to assist in meeting specific community needs; tools for planner's to use in their professional development and Ethics and legislative and court decisions and their effect on community development. HCA friend Randall Arendt, the nation's premier "green" landscape planner, site designer, author and lecturer and an advocate of "conservation planning" will return to Texas as a featured speaker. Learn more here.

Tom Mason, GM at LCRA to speak to PLTA Sept 9th

The Protect Lake Travis Association annual general membership meeting will be combined with a special meeting of the newly formed Lake Travis Community Coalition. The meeting will be held at the Travis County West Service Center near Mansfield Dam at 7PM on Thursday, September 9th. Learn more here.

August 10, 2010

LCRA Newsletter announces procedural schedule for Hill Country CREZ

LCRA TSC mailed about 5,100 notice letters to landowners along each of the 75 alternative routes the same day it filed the application on July 28. Newspaper notices describing LCRA TSC's proposed routes began running in area newspapers the week of Aug.2” August 27th is the intervention deadline. Complete LCRA Newsletter can be viewed here.

GMA 9 Releases June 26th minutes

Minutes from the GMA 9 meeting to determine “desired future conditions” are posted here. The GMA 9 DFC resolution can be uploaded here.

August 9, 2010

SOS Hill Country requests re-evaluation of transmission line

SaveOur Scenic Hill Country Environment (SOSHCE)is an organization of more than 500 members in Gillespie, Llano, Mason, Kerr and Kimble counties. They are highly concerned about the negative impacts that the McCamey D – Kendall – Gillespie CREZ line will have on the future of the Hill Country and are asking for a re-evaluation of the need for these lines. Read their letter to PUC here.

Transmission Line Interveners Meetings Tomorrow, August 10th

Clear View Alliance is hosting sessions with their legal team to help Hill Country landowners unite to fight the destructive impacts of massive transmission lines through our region. Meetings will be held in Harper, San Angelo and Junction. Learn more here.

Transmission Line Seminars Offer Information and Options for Landowners

Five transmission line seminars are scheduled across the state featuring expert information on the electric transmission line process, CREZ, and options for private landowners who may be impacted by proposed transmission line routes. Read details from Texas Wildlife Association here.

Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan 2035

TxDot hosts an open-house style public meeting for the development of the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan addressing roads, transit, rail, and all transportation related planning - Wednesday, August 11th in San Antonio - Details

Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust Becomes Texas' First Accredited Land Trust

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, announced today that Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust has been awarded accredited status, making Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust the first accredited land trust in the state of Texas. Read more from Texas Land Trust Council here.

TCEQ Draws Flak for Studies That Might Result in Weaker Water Quality Standards

The efforts of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to weaken water quality standards for numerous Texas streams through so-called “recreational use” studies were dealt a serious setback Thursday night in the small community of Kosciusko southeast of San Antonio when over 300 residents of Wilson, Karnes, and neighboring counties turned out to demand better water quality for their local stream, Lower Cibolo Creek. Read full story here.

August 5, 2010

Viewpoint: Comal County needs groundwater conservation district

In the state of Texas, the state owns surface water, including lakes and rivers. But groundwater is a private-property rights matter. In this regard, the state has declared that the preferred method of managing groundwater in Texas is by a groundwater conservation district. (Comal) county has no such groundwater conservation district atop the Trinity Aquifer, which spans about two-thirds of our county. Read full San Antonio Express community article here.

July 30, 2010

The Future of Water: GMA 9's 30-foot drawdown decision could crimp future growth

After nearly four years of hydrology modeling and politicking, representatives from groundwater districts in Kendall and eight other Hill Country counties decided Monday to limit the drawdown of aquifer levels to no more than 30 feet over the next 50 years. Read full Boerne Star article here.

July 22, 2010

Neighbor to Neighbor – Hill Country Groundwater Decision Monday

Hill Country Groundwater Conservation Districts convene Monday, July 26th at 10:00 am in Boerne to decide on the “Desired Future Condition” of the Trinity Aquifer. Public participation is encourage. Read here from Milan Michalec. Click here for additional resources about the meeting and the process.

July 21, 2010

LCRA to propose routes for Kendall transmission lines to PUC July 28

With a Twin Buttes to McCamey D route approved earlier this month, LCRA Transmission Services Corporation will present proposed routes for the McCamey D-to-Kendall-to-Gillespie transmission line project to the Public Utilities Commission on July 28. Read full Boerne Star article here.

July 20, 2010

The End of the Hill Country

"The long-simmering tension between water conservation and drill, baby, drill is coming to a boil." Read this now from the Observer. Show up in Boerne, Monday, July 26th. More on this issue here.

KUT News highlights the Hill Country Groundwater Dilemma

This month, parts of Central Texas will decide how much water will be in the aquifers below the land for the next 50 years. The decisions will affect Dripping Springs, Johnson City, Wimberley and other towns south and west of Austin that rely on groundwater supplies. Erika Aguilar of KUT News reports, click here.

Could New Approaches to Infrastructure Transform Our Region?

Envision Central Texas announces “Innovate or Stagnate” a regional planning forum set for September 10th in Austin. Learn more here.

New resource for Hill Country Landowners

The Central Texas Conservation Partnership has launched an excellent new website featuring important information for landowners interested in conservation, land stewardship and natural resources. Check it out and spread the word, especially to new landowners: http://www.texasconservation.org/.

July 19, 2010

Domestic use of Highland Lakes water

Ray, who has a weekend place on Lake Buchanan, waters his lawn by pumping water from the lake.” LCRA is asking property owners to pay up. Read more from Water Matters.

July 16, 2010

Uvalde says no to Californian's water pipeline

Rodney Smith's pitch to the Uvalde City Council this week was all about water, but the reception seemed more like the kind you'd see extended to a carnival hustler trying to engage the local citizenry in a game of Three-Card Monte. Read full San Antonio Express article here.

July 15, 2010

Uvalde Water Project Pipeline Concerns

There was standing room only at the Uvalde City Council meeting as citizens crowded into council chambers to hear about the Uvalde Water Project pipeline. Southwest Texas Water Resources wants to construct a 67-mile pipeline from Uvalde County to San Antonio to transport Edwards Aquifer water. City Council says “no”. Read more here.

July 14, 2010

TWA urges a re-evaluation of all CREZ lines in a letter to PUC

We are writing to express our grave concern over the proposed routes of LCRA transmission lines through the Hill Country. TWA strongly recommends the Commission react to concerns of landowners and locally affected communities across Texas and re-evaluate proposed CREZ lines and delay issuance of CCNs until the re-evaluations have been completed.” Read the full letter here

GMA 9 Meeting set for July 26th to vote on DFC

Hill Country Groundwater Districts included in Groundwater Management Area 9 (GMA9) will meet July 26th in Boerne. A vote is scheduled to take place to determine the regional “Desired Future Condition” (DFC). This will establish the basis for groundwater management planning and the ability to protect wells and spring flow into the future. Learn and be involved.

July 13, 2010

July Issue of TP&W Magazine Explores Why Water Matters in Texas

Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine’s ninth annual water issue is on the news stand now and is a useful resource to engage readers with current water issues that affect their lives. The full text of the issue is also available on the magazine’s website.

Critical Groundwater decisions are being made now – participate locally

Hill Country Groundwater Districts are meeting over the next few weeks to prepare for the Regional GMA9 meeting on July 26th. Local groundwater districts need your input. The Hill Country region is about to establish a Desired Future Condition (DFC) for groundwater supply. What will this mean for your well? For spring flow? For your ranch? Read more here.

Comal County plans for Habitat Conservation Plan

A public meeting will be held July 27th in Comal County to consider authorization of a new HCP (Habitat Conservation Plan). An HCP is a way to conserve habitat for endangered species by establishing and managing preserves to mitigate for habitat taken by development. Learn more...

Civic Tourism, and the Importance of Place

Most tourism advocates support the industry because it spurs economic development, but their decisions often destroy the very characteristics of place that make the place attractive. Read article from Dan Shilling of Planitezen here.

July 8, 2010

Fredericksburg's treated sewage effluent available to golf resort

Treated sewage effluent that the City of Fredericksburg contracted in 2006 to sell to Boot Ranch is finally available to the troubled golf resort. Read full San Antonio Express article here. Read more from Fredericksburg Standard here.

TCEQ Adopts Water Quality Standards

Protect Lake Travis Association newsletter is an excellent resource of the most current issues regarding water quality in the Highland Lakes. Learn more here.

July 7, 2010

Hill Country Groundwater planning decision July 26th

There will be a vote on July 26th to determine the “Desired Future Condition” of groundwater in the Hill Country for planning and permitting purposes. Public input to your local Groundwater District and GMA 9 is critical now. Learn more and read what people are saying.

Erasing the Lines

“These superconducting cables contain special materials chilled to super low temperatures, allowing electricity to flow efficiently, with little resistance... it would demonstrate the potential for superconducting power lines that could travel long distances and eliminate the 7 percent of electricity wasted by ugly, above-ground transmission lines.” Read full CSM article here.

July 2, 2010

Groups rally to keep high water quality

A request in 2008 by the City of Burnet to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to amend its wastewater permit would more than double its discharge rate into Hamilton Creek, which feeds into Lake Travis. Read full Community Impact article here.

New rules could lower standards for Texas Waterways

The new rules could mean lower bacteria standards for water bodies such as the San Antonio River, and that has local authorities and environmentalists worried it will allow the state to become lax about making the water clean enough for kids to play in. Read full San Antonio Express article here. Read more from the Texas Observer here.

Habitat Restoration and the Quality of Life

The Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country chapter will have J. David Bamberger as their guest speaker on Monday evening, July 26, 2010. Details

Planning news from the Alamo Area

Interested in regional planning efforts in Bexar and surrounding Counties? Check out the Alamo Area Council of Governments July 2010 Newsletter.

July 1, 2010

City offers incentives to convert landscape

Imagine a Hill Country where rural landowners were incentivized for being good land stewards over the recharge zone. This could be one of the single best tools for protecting water resources over the aquifer. Read more about a step in the right direction in Austin and think about how that could be applied regionally.

Must read about LCRA, the Highland Lakes and Water Planning in Texas

“The LCRA is in a precarious and powerful position as both river steward and water marketer. The same agency endowed with protecting the Colorado River, also funds itself by selling its water.” Read the full article by Ian Dile, Texas Observer here.

Nominate a Hill Country Landowner

The 2011 Leopold Conservation Award recognizes landowners for translating their love for the land into responsible stewardship and management. Nominations are open – Learn more

June 30, 2010

Mobility bond package has little for Oak Hill

TxDOT: Quick fix plan for the 'Y' in the works. Read full Oak Hill Gazette article here.

June 29, 2010

The politics of transmission lines

“People should be angry with our governor, their legislators, the state and the utility companies not only because of the destruction these new power lines will cause, but because it appears this was all done for the age-old reason of greed and power.” Read full Go San Angelo article here.

June 24, 2010

Playing By The Rule

"Groundwater is covered by an archaic law that could leave use high and dry." Read the full article by Nick Patoski, Texas Observer here.

June 21, 2010

TCEQ Commissioners Set to Take Action June 30 on Proposed Revisions to Surface Water Quality Standards

The Lone Star chapter of the Sierra Club reports, “TCEQ Staff Continues to Recommend Weakening Bacteria Pollution Standards Despite Public Opposition”. Complete newsletter with more news about how you can participate here.

LCRA TSC suspends further development of Gillespie-to-Newton transmission line

LCRA Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA TSC) has put on hold further development of an 85-mile transmission line in the Texas Hill Country awaiting further guidance from the state on whether the project still is needed. Read more here.

June 18, 2010

Power line proposal sparks PUC review

A state-ordered review of a high-voltage transmission line planned in the Hill Country has buoyed hopes that a similar assessment will be done on the larger electric grid slated for the scenic region. Read full San Antonio Express article here.

June 16, 2010

Solution for Edwards Aquifer not dead

Water policy experts and stakeholders from across South Texas erupted in applause Tuesday afternoon as they made a step toward finding a solution to protect the endangered species of the San Marcos and Comal springs while meeting water needs. Read full SA Express News article here.

Land Owners Workshop Series looks at Water Wells, Oak Wilt, Cattle and Cedar

If you want to get a Hill Country Landowners attention say “Water, Oak Wilt, Cedar and Cattle”. Those simple words draw lots of attention when any of them are associated with the property you own. This is why the Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service is offering a four part series on land management for Hill Country landowners. More

America’s Great Outdoors

President Obama has launched a national dialogue about conservation in America to learn about some of the smart, creative ways communities are conserving outdoor spaces. Join the conversation here.

TCL, Hill Country landowners win Lone Star Land Steward Award

“In order to be good stewards, you must watch your land, appreciate what you have, decide what you want to change, act carefully, and be patient. We have tried to think about our future generations and live in harmony with Nature—we hope you will join us!” Read more.

June 15, 2010

Lincoln Institute releases major report on innovations in large landscape conservation

Strategic framework outlined as Obama administration holds listening sessions on improving management of nation’s open space. Click here.

June 14, 2010

GMA 9 Public Meetings to examine progress on the DFC process

Groundwater Conservation Districts in the Texas Hill Country are jointly planning a “Desired Future Condition” (DFC) goal for groundwater resources in our region. Public meetings will be held June 21 in Kerrville, June 23 in Boerne and June 24 in Dripping Springs. Learn more here.

Hill Country CREZ project updates

SOS Hill Country Environment reports several encouraging developments regarding the planning of transmission lines from Gillespie to Newton and also McCamey D to Kendall to Gillespie. Hill Country elected officials continue to question the process and the need for all of the lines. Read more…

June 12, 2010

Building San Antonio: Finding the happy medium between development and conservation

The idea is to use conservation easements to protect habitat and wildlife, exemptions to preserve agricultural land, low-impact development practices to lessen development's footprint and lot and house configurations that concentrate residential density. The result is neighborhoods modeled after some of San Antonio's historic areas: the secular villas of the missions, neighborhood on the South Side, Grey Forest and Shavano Park. Read full SA Express article here.

June 9, 2010

Need for high voltage transmission lines questioned by PUC Chairman

Last week, Barry Smitherman, Chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, asked the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to “thoroughly re-evaluate the need for the Gillespie to Newton transmission line” that has been proposed to carry wind energy generated in West Texas to population centers along the I35 corridor. Read full Llano News article here.

PUC: Take another look at the grid

The chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas is continuing to press the operator of the state’s vast electric grid to reconsider the need for a new and potentially intrusive transmission line through Burnet and Llano counties. Read full Highland Lakes Newspapers article and supporting documents here.

June 8, 2010

Rainwater Revival ramps up for Hays County

The Rainwater Revival will be a fantastic opportunity for the entire Hill Country conservation community to come together in support of rainwater harvesting. Sponsorships and vendor booths are now available and filling fast. The event will take place October 9th in Dripping Springs. Click here to find out how you or your organization can get involved.

June 6, 2010

TCEQ Sunset Campaign – Learn about the process and get involved

The Alliance for a Clean Texas (ACT) will launch its 2010-2011 TCEQ sunset campaign with a conference call next Thursday, June 10th at 6:30 p.m. All Texans committed to protecting our state's environment and health are invited to participate in the call. Details

Aquatic Life Declines at Early Stages of Urban Development

The Center for Watershed Protection has been collaborating with the US Geological Survey's Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems research group to help interpret and disseminate the study results to local watershed managers and planners so they can base land use and management decisions on the best available science. Read more.

Imagine Austin

Are you keeping up with Imagine Austin? This comprehensive planning process will shape Austin’s future. Meetings are open to the public and there are numerous opportunities to participate. Learn more here

HCPA is urging participation in the SA North Sector Plan

The Hill Country Planning Association is creating awareness about the North Sector Plan, a project of the City of San Antonio. Information about the plan can be viewed here. To learn about upcoming meetings, public input opportunities and to read comments from area conservationists from the Hill Country Planning Association click here.

May 28, 2010

Kerrville alarmed by proposed power towers

Kerrville - City Council voted Tuesday to oppose a route proposed by the contractor that calls for a 345-kilovolt line to track Interstate 10 through valuable parcels here, including the city's gateway at Texas 16. Read full SA Express-News article here.

May 27, 2010

HCA Photo Contest ends May 31

This is the final weekend to enter the HCA Hill Country Photography Contest. Our Judges, Susan Reiff, Executive Director at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; TJ Tucker, Creative Director at Texas Monthly Magazine and Real Estate Developer Peter Dwyer, Principle of Dwyer Realty will gather to judge the contest in June. Winners will be formally announced with the release of the 2011 Calendar in August. Complete details about entering the contest here.

May 26, 2010

Cypress Flows, News from The River Systems Institute

What is the economic loss to Wimberley if water flow or quality declines in Cypress Creek? What is a CCN? Rainwater harvesting and water conservation tips…this newsletter is a must read for everyone in Hays County and those in the Hill Country Region who would like to learn about the importance of watershed based planning. Click here for more.

Holistic Management News

Interested in healthy and sustainable practices for land management? Check out the latest from HMI Texas. Click here for their latest newsletter and list of current events. To find out more about HMI visit http://www.hmitexas.org

TxDot comments on strategic plan are due Friday, May 28th

The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on its 2011-2015 Strategic Plan. Learn more here.

GMA 9 Planning Meeting will be held June 3

Groundwater Conservation Districts from the Hill Country will meet in Boerne on June 3rd . These ongoing joint planning meetings are held regularly in compliance with legislation passed in 2005 to create “desired future conditions” for our aquifers and work more regionally for groundwater management. Click here for an agenda and more information.

Submit comments now to shape your region’s water policies

EDF hosts “Texas Water Solutions” an informative blog for citizen participation in state water planning processes. A torrent of draft regional water plans have flooded the state this spring, as a part of the state’s regional water planning process. Public hearings and public comment periods on these draft plans present critical opportunities for Texans to let planners know their opinions about how best to meet the future water needs of people and the environment in your area. Visit the blog for more information.

May 25, 2010

TLC Preserve of the Month: Las Fogatas

The Texas Land Conservancy features “Las Fogatas” or Ferguson Ranch, a beautiful conservation property in Gillespie County owned by Phil Ferguson and Kathy O’Neal. Learn more about this Conservation Easement here.

Texas AgriLife Extention offers online rainwater harvesting training course

Texas AgriLife Extention is offering a self-directed online course designed to help small acreage landowners gain an understanding of how to collect rainwater for livestock. Click here for details.

Lake Travis news from PLTA

Hamilton Creek residents continue to defend their creek and Lake Travis as the threat of a direct discharge permit continues. Around Lake Travis, cities, MUD’s, HOA’s and businesses are coming together to form a coalition to “Keep Lake Travis Blue”. Read more.

May 23, 2010

Texas Master Naturalist forming new class

In preparation for its usually over-subscribed training program, the Hill Country Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist is now accepting applications for the 2010 training class. Read more here.

PUC under review – the time is now to comment

The Texas Public Utility Commission is currently going through Sunset Review. Public testimony can be given May 25 and 26, written comments are also encouraged. Hill Country residents who are dealing with the transmission line issue should take this opportunity to voice concerns. Learn more from Public Citizen here.

May 22, 2010

Water suppliers may need to consider the health of mussels

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may decide by the end of the year whether 11 species of mussels are endangered. If the answer is yes, the state's river authorities might have to recalculate how much water they can distribute to industry, farmers and growing cities and still leave enough in Texas' already stressed rivers to keep mussels healthy. Read full Statesman.com article here.

May 19, 2010

Cibolo Nature Center announces three upcoming programs

Sustainable Concept House Workshop, May 29th, and two Rainwater Harvesting Workshops, June 12 and July 10. Click here for more.

May 18, 2010

Celebrate the Stars at LBJ Ranch June 2

Enjoy an evening of star gazing and a presentation on what you can do to preserve the night skies starting 7:30 pm, Wednesday, June 2, at the LBJ Ranch. The event is hosted by Hill Country Alliance, Hill Country Land Trust and Green Living for the Hill Country. Click here for details.

Learn how to preserve the land you love

This great website examines two of the greatest conservation tools available for landowners; Conservation Easements and Conservation Development Design. Take a walk through a conservation subdivision via YouTube here. Learn more at http://www.landchoices.org.

May 15, 2010

Hays County couple gives tour of restored, conserved land

When Julie Johnson and her husband, Gordon, bought 100 acres in Kyle more than 10 years ago, their plans for the property did not include farming. The sprawling land that had once been thick with lush native grasses had been overgrazed by cattle and was beat up. Read full Statesman.com article here.

May 12, 2010

Does This Look Like a Drought? Forecasters Say It Will... and Soon

In Blanco County, we know what drought looks like. It looks like last summer, when creeks and ponds dried up and the grass went "crunch" under foot. What we see now, after six months of rain, is gorgeous green...full ponds, running streams, a record wildflower year, and even a little flash flooding this spring. Drought doesn't look like this. Last week, the forecasters said El Nino definitely is fading, and predicted a return to drought conditions within a few months. Read more here.

May 10, 2010

SOSHE meeting Tuesday evening in Fredericksburg

"Transmission Line Easements in Lieu of Condemnation”, 6:30 May 11th, learn more about this and other related news from Save Our Scenic Hill Country Environment here.

May 9, 2010

Regional transportation plan nears approval

The CAMPO board, recipient of more than 4,000 public comments submitted on the draft plan in recent months, will take one last listen in a public hearing today. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. in Ballroom B of the Austin Convention Center. Read full Statesman.com article here.

May 7, 2010

Well-managed land is the greatest water-supply device

How can the Edwards Aquifer continue to supply the growing population and expanding the region's economy in the decades to come, while still maintaining adequate spring flows and river flows to provide for wildlife and for recreation? Part of the answer will be additional efforts to reduce water usage. Could part of the solution to our water needs also be putting more water into the aquifer? Read full San Antonio Express article here.

May 6, 2010

2010 Lone Star Land Steward Awards Winners Announced

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards program recognizes private landowners for excellence in habitat management and wildlife conservation on their lands. The awards also seek to publicize the best examples of sound natural resource management practices and promote long-term conservation of unique natural and cultural resources. Read more here.

May 5, 2010

Landowners oppose increasing effluent into creek

Increasingly, the deck seems to be stacked against them, but a group of landowners, residents and business owners along Hamilton Creek in the southern part of Burnet County are making a belated attempt to combat the city of Burnet’s effort to be allowed to dramatically increase the amount of effluent it can discharge into the creek. Read full Highlander article here.

Vote this Saturday, May 8th

Two Hill Country counties, Hays (Hays Trinity GCD) and Kendall (Cow Creek GCD), will elect new leaders for Groundwater Conservation Districts this Saturday. If you live in these counties, it is extremely important to elect fair conservation minded individuals. Do your homework and take the time to vote. These districts are making critical decisions for the future of your water supply.

TxDOT Holds Public Meetings on Statewide Transportation Plan

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will host a series of open-house style public meetings across Texas to give citizens an opportunity to provide feedback on a long-range plan that provides the agency with a blueprint for the state’s future transportation needs. Read more here.

San Antonio considers funding options and priorities for road projects

The San Antonio Metropolitan Planning Organization is hosting “listening sessions” This Thursday, May 6th and Saturday May 8th to provide public information about which road projects Bexar County will committed for funding in the short term. Learn more here

A Conversation with Carolyn Chipman Evans

Take a few moments to learn about the Cibolo Nature Center. KLRN features the wonderful programs, activities and people of the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne, Texas. Get inspired!

May 4, 2010

Reality of Drought-An Update

“...to sustain these flows, the efforts of private property owners, whose land stewardship practices can reduce runoff and improve recharge, are directly linked to the responsibilities of a Groundwater Conservation District, through which locally elected Directors strive to equitably manage this resource for all.” Read the report and preceding articles here.

GMA 9 Joint Planning Meeting Monday May 10 in Kerrville

Hill Country Groundwater District boards and staff meet regularly to work towards common desired future conditions for this region. On this agenda, to be held in May 10th in Kerrville, planners will be briefed from Texas Water Development Board staff about recent progress with water availability models. Stay informed. Read full agenda here.

May 3, 2010

Military installations make amends to endangered species

When on-the-ground soldiers, supported by Apache helicopters overhead, creep and clamber through the live-fire area of Fort Hood, they needn't worry about the fate of the endangered golden-cheeked warblers that like to roost there. That's because the Department of Defense, working with researchers from nonprofits and Texas A&M University, has paid off nearby landowners to build up their own nesting grounds to offset the ones lost on Fort Hood. Read full Statesman.com article here.

Protecting a precious resource: Good to the last drop?

Last year State Comptroller Susan Combs urged lawmakers to take action to avoid a major water shortage in the wake of two decades of explosive population growth. Read full Amarillo Globe News article here.


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