Hill Country Alliance News

June 19, 2013

Public Meeting set regarding Cement Plant, June 27th

Citizens in Comal County have valid concerns regarding a proposed cement plant in Spring Branch. Because Counties have little oversight in unincorporated areas, landowners must make their case before TCEQ. A public meeting has been set for June 27th at 7 pm in New Braunfels. Read more from the local neighbors and landowners who are encouraging participation.

AIA Presents 3rd Annual Sustainable Urban Development Luncheon, August 1st in San Antonio

Featuring Edward Mazria, Founder and CEO, Architecture 2030, a non-partisan, non-profit research organization developing planning, policy, and design solutions for low-carbon, resilient built environments worldwide. Details

Anti-Scenic Bills Die

Texas cities will continue to determine how their cities look because your voices were heard! Three proposed bills that would have done permanent damage to our urban landscapes and overridden city ordinances were halted at the State Capitol. Read more from Scenic Texas.

June 14, 2013

Billboard bill goes unfiled

A proposed bill aimed at fighting billboard blight in Comal County went nowhere in the Legislature. State Rep. Doug Miller, R-New Braunfels, said he and state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, who were asked to sponsor the bill, thought the measure conflicted with the rights of property owners. Read More

June 13, 2013

Hays County Town Hall Meeting about Sports Complex Lighting June 20th

Hill Country people appreciate the Night Sky and one growing concern is the proliferation extremely lit sports fields. A town hall meeting focused on the new Central Texas Field of Dreams, will take place at the fire station at 7520 Creek Road in Dripping Springs, Thursday June 20th from 6 – 8. Learn about lighting sports parks from IDA here. Learn about HCA’s Night Sky Program here.

After Rice Farmers Cut off Last Year, Water Use Cut in Half in Central Texas

A great illustration from State Impact of the change in water use with rice farmers cut off last year. Municipal use is now a much bigger piece of the pie, but how much of that 47% is used for watering lawns? Read more from State Impact here. Also, a telling report from Native American Seed about water conservation and taking care of your land. The TCEQ will conduct a public meeting regarding the LCRA water management plan on June 26th.

Federal judge says sprawl, transit, equity must factor into highway decisions

Houston Tomorrow reports “A Wisconsin court ruling may require planners across the country to publicly consider the effects on sprawl and transit before approving highway expansions.” According to The Houston Chronicle, "The interim ruling is far from final and could still be overturned by a higher court, but its mere existence has emboldened some highways foes that the days of 'build it and they will come' answers to handling growth."

GEAA reports some legislative success

Read this summary report of how bills on GEAA’s legislative agenda fared during the 83rd session. To review HCA’s Legislative news postings, comments filed and a few bills worth Hill Country attention click here.

June 10, 2013

NRCS in Texas Announces Incentive Payments to Improve Wildlife Habitat

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Salvador Salinas today announced that NRCS in Texas has $5.5 million in funding available for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat on their land through the agency’s Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Learn More

June 7, 2013

Subdivision May Threaten World's Largest Bat Colony

This is another unfortunate example of why thoughtful planning with county authority is so necessary. "The land in question is in Comal County, outside of San Antonio city limits. But the San Antonio Water System has agreed to run water mains and sewer lines to the proposed subdivision — the first such agreement SAWS has made with a subdivision entirely within Comal County. The oversized water mains the agency intends to build would also allow easy expansion to future subdivisions in the area. Read more from the Texas Tribune.

June 6, 2013

A great turnout in San Antonio in opposition to SAWS expansion

200 people showed up to support three hours of testimony. At the end, Susan Hughes asked the City Council "who has been to Bracken Bat Cave?" (which is under threat by a large subdivision facilitated by a SAWS water/sewer line). No one had been there, no one said a word. Read the story in the San Antonio Express News. HCA submitted written comments. Learn more about Bracken Cave.

A Challenging Future for Hill Country Water

Citizens Alliance for Responsible Development (CARD) sums up Hill Country water challenges well, “For the Hill Country to remain viable and for our property to hold its value, there must be water available for our sustenance. Recognizing the limits placed on us and working together, we can find solutions that will support life in the Texas Hill Country for many years into the future”. Read more from CARD, be involved and spread the word.

June 4, 2013

Rainwater Revival Awards Grants to Hill Country Schools

Austin, Texas (June 4, 2013) – Three Hill Country schools have each been awarded $1,000 grants to further their plans to bring rainwater harvesting to their schools and education about water resources to their students. “The innovation and enthusiasm that these schools, through their administrators and teachers, bring to their students is very gratifying,” said Karen Ford, a Hill Country Alliance board member and chair of the annual Rainwater Revival. “These students will learn the importance of water conservation and that conservation is easy, fun, and a very important thing to do.” Learn More

Special alert regarding fox rabies outbreak for western Hill Country Counties from AgriLife

We need the public’s help to report any encounters they have with wildlife or strange-acting domestic animals or livestock. It’s important that the public knows that the state will pick up any of the cost associated with testing of the animals. Learn more about this issue that affects, Kimble, Mason, Gillespie, Llano and additional counties in the western Hill Country region here.

LCRA water plan needs more study with drought in mind, state says

Texas’ environmental agency is putting the brakes on a long-term plan for managing Central Texas’ main water supply, saying Monday that the managers of the Highland Lakes may not be adequately accounting for the kind of drought now affecting the region. More from Statesman.com.

June 3, 2013

"Better Lights" in Medina and Lost Maples State Park

HCA Night Sky ambassador, Bill Wren from the McDonald Observatory, will be traveling to Lost Maples State Park this Saturday, June 8th to teach about proper lighting for the night sky. The event will be followed by guided star gazing with the San Antonio Astronomy Club. Sunday the 9th, Bill will present to the community of Medina at the Public Library at 7:30 pm. Join us and help spread the word as we work towards converting the Texas Hill Country to a night sky friendly region.

Pasture Walks, One Way to Share Information Among Landowners

Take a walk with Jill Nokes as she learns from real experience and documented projects intended to restore and heal land here in the Hill Country. Her most recent post takes us to the CL Browning Ranch in Blanco County. Ethics in land stewardship are critical for our future water supply – learn more.

South Llano River Project honored by TPWD

Congratulations to the South Llano Watershed Alliance for outstanding recognition for landowner collaboration and land stewardship activities. This is a project worth replicating, watch this video and share with friends in your Hill Country River Basin.

Want to learn how to garden for the drought?

Learn from your local Native Plant Society. Check out the most recent issue of “Bexar Roots” - a publication of the San Antonio chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. Great tips for your garden and plenty of ideas to get involved in your community.

Bipartisan Caucus Lays Groundwork for Food Movement

The bipartisan "farm-to-table" caucus landed a couple of key victories in its first legislative session, laying the groundwork for its effort to help small agricultural businesses crop up across Texas. More from Texas Tribune

LCRA, Parks and other Legislative outcomes

In a legislative session dedicated to setting aside money to build pipelines and finance conservation projects to meet Texas’ growing water demands, lawmakers took the opportunity to pass or kill a variety of other water-related and environmentally minded proposals. Read the full story from the Statesman.

May 31, 2013

Texas rainwater harvesting at a crossroads - a town hall meeting, June 15

H.B. 2062 as introduced could have set rainwater harvesting back ten years. But because of the dedicated work of a small group of rainwater professionals, the worst of H.B. 2062 (for the rainwater community) appears to have been struck. Next time could be different – very different, and very bad. A forum has been scheduled to begin organizing for effective, pro-active, rainwater harvesting advocacy in the interests of consumers, installers, manufacturers, vendors and municipalities. Details

San Antonio Keeps Getting Greener!

The Office of Sustainability says San Antonio is emerging as one of the “greenest” large American cities. Learn More

May 22, 2013

Master Naturalists Hill Country Chapter New Class begins August 19

Do you ever wonder what kind of moth or butterfly that caterpillar will become? And do ever think about why it’s eating that particular plant and not any other? If you’ve asked yourself either of the last two questions, perhaps you have an inner “naturalist” begging to explore and learn. The Texas Master Naturalist program can offer you the platform from which your exploration is endless. Learn More

May 21, 2013

Learn about summer gardening, water conservation during Rain Dance Festival at Herff Farm on June 1

Gardeners, nature enthusiasts and people who like to spend time out in their yards will have a chance to learn tips and techniques for sustainable gardens and landscapes and water conservation in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere during the Rain Dance Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at The Herff Farm at the Cibolo. Learn More

May 20, 2013

Save Bracken Cave Reserve

What happens when you put 10,000 people next to more than ten million bats (and sensitive Edwards Aquifer recharge land)? Bat Conservation International (BCI), GEAA and others are urging participation this Wednesday , May 29th in San Antonio. Learn more from BCI. You can also find extensive information about this issue from GEAA including how to contact your elected officials. We simply cannot afford to continue to make these kinds of mistakes in the Hill Country.

A water generation gap portends confrontation between Texas’ past, future

“If people understand how rich this state is in springs, and how those springs provide most of the flow for many of our rivers, then maybe they’ll pay more attention to how they’re depleting them...” Sharlene Leurig, Andy Sansom and David Langford, all friends of HCA’s, share stories in this thoughtful article about Hill Country water resources. A must read from Texas Climate News.

2013 Scholarship Contest Winners Announced

The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District has announced the winners of the Kent S. Butler Memorial Groundwater Stewardship College Scholarship Essay Contest and its Aquatic Science Adventure Camp Scholarship program. Read More

Cibolo Nature Center & Farm announces 2013 Stewardship Award winners

“Six area conservationists were honored on Friday with the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm’s annual Stewardship Awards, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to protecting the land, water and wildlife of the region.” Learn More

National Trails Day to be Celebrated on June 1

Celebrate the 21st annual National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1 by lacing up some sturdy shoes, grabbing a hiking stick and heading to a Texas State Park near you to join a guided hiking tour or hit the trails on your own. Learn More

Trifecta of drought, late freeze, hail decimate Hill Country peach crop

It’s peach season, but Austinites likely won’t be seeing any Fredericksburg peaches in grocery stores any time soon after a combination of freezing weather and hailstorms decimated more than 90 percent of the crop in Gillespie County. More from Statesman.com

Local Parks Matter!

“In these last frenzied weeks of the 83rd Texas Legislature, much remains in limbo - including funding for a relatively small program with an outsized effect on Texans' quality of life.” This story come from Houston, but the message certainly holds true here in the Hill Country.

May 16, 2013

Needmore Ranch MUD Approved with Amendments

Despite strong opposition from the citizens and elected officials of Wimberley and Hays County, the Texas House and Senate have approved the Needmore Ranch Municipal Utility District (MUD) #1 for approximately 4,020 acres of the 5,000-acre ranch just east of Wimberley. More from WVWA.

Central Texas Water Fight Could Have Statewide Implications

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation district held a meeting May 15th to discuss whether to grant new permits to outside businesses. "I think the whole state will be watching this," Steve Box, with Environmental Stewardship, told StateImpact Texas ahead of the hearing. Learn more from StateImpact Texas.

May 7, 2013

Bringing back the Milky Way, May 14 in Uvalde

HCA has been partnering with the McDonald Observatory and local Hill Country community organization’s creating an entire menu of programs aimed at reducing light pollution. The next workshop will take place May 14 at the Cactus Room of the Uvalde Convention Center. Details

Petitions opposing Needmore Ranch MUD sent to Sen. Donna Campbell and State Rep. Jason Isaac

On May 6th the offices of State Senator Donna Campbell and State Representative Jason Isaac received packets containing 372 petitions signed by citizens opposed to bills these legislators have introduced to create a 4,000+ acre Municipal Utility District (MUD) on the Needmore Ranch, just east of Wimberley. Learn More

Texas Groundwater Levels Suffer Sharp Drop, Study Finds

According to the report, the greatest decline during 2010-11 occurred in the Trinity Aquifer of Central Texas, where 33 monitor wells showed a median drop of 16.7 feet, and an average drop of 19.7 feet. (The water board also includes one well in the Edwards-Trinity Plateau in that calculation.) More from the Texas Tribune.

Join GEAA at City Hall in San Antonio on May 22nd

In March, SAWS approved water and wastewater service to Crescent Hills, a development located entirely in Comal County on the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. GEAA encourages SAWS ratepayers and those who don’t want to subsidize sprawl on the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone to participate on May 22nd in urging the San Antonio City Council to rescind SAWS service to Crescent Hills. This property is adjacent to Braken Bat Cave, home to the world’s largest bat colony. Read more here.

Water for Cities vs. Ag - Is it theirs? Or ours?

Some more enlightened utilities and political leaders are beginning to realize that Texas must grow smart – not just fast. Texas county governments, long weak on any ability to properly manage and plan growth, are beginning to band together to get the attention of a largely urban Texas legislature. More from Mike Mecke in Ranch and Rural Living Magazine.

May 6, 2013

People conform to political boundaries. Water does not.

Ten years ago, recognizing the rapidly growing threat to the water quality of the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer, 13 unconnected Texas Hill Country jurisdictions sat down together and talked. Acknowledging that water, especially groundwater, does not conform to human boundaries, they devised a bold plan to conform to water, by crossing those boundaries. With help from the HCA, 65 participants from those jurisdictions re-convened on April 26 in Buda for The Next Wave, a workshop to share how they are each implementing the plan now. Learn More

Texas Rainwater Catchment Association Conference this weekend in San Marcos

The TRWCA Annual Conference will be held all day Friday and Saturday, May 10–11 at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in San Marcos. HCA will have a booth promoting our Rainwater Revival event – Come on by and see us! Learn More

San Antonio can lead in smart water policy

Experts contend that any of the proposed reservoirs in the Texas Water Plan built west of Interstate 35 would lose more in evaporation than they would gain in new water supply. Creating an underground reservoir through the establishment of an ASR makes much more sense in hot, dry South Texas. Read more from SA Express-News.

Water, MUD and Beer: Recipe for an Explosive Hill

Country Development Fight Despite near-unanimous local opposition, state Rep. Jason Isaac and Sen. Donna Campbell are carrying legislation that would create a municipal utility district (MUD) for LaMantia (Needmore Ranch, Wimberley), gifting him the authority to marshal tax-free bond financing, impose taxes on future landowners to recoup the costs of development, and possibly seize land through state-granted eminent domain authority. The fight has spawned a fierce debate about private property rights. Read more from the Texas Observer.

May 1, 2013

Comptroller’s Endangered Species Duties Could Go to Wildlife Department

Comptroller Susan Combs, Texas’ top accountant and tax official, doesn’t just deal with money: she’s also in charge of monitoring endangered species. It’s an odd coupling, money manager and critter caretaker, and a new piece of legislation could undo the two disparate duties. More from State Impact Texas.

Industrial Wind and Transmission Updates

Save Our Scenic Hill Country Environment continues to monitor and participate in industrial wind and transmission activities that could impact the Hill Country. In the latest updates, information is provided on the continuing debate over the federal Production Tax Credit (PTC). Near and long term transmission developments are covered as well. Read the latest from SOSHE here.

April 30, 2013

Fiesta on the San Antonio River’s ‘Garbage Reach’

“This year, sadly, the lasting image of Fiesta’s final day for me will be the storm-washed litter that destroyed any sense of civic pride that I or anyone else in this city should feel today for the reborn Mission Reach of the San Antonio River.” Bob Rivard’s story makes a compelling case for the Texas Bottle Bill. Read the Rivard Report here.

Funding Available for Landowners

The Texas Landowner Incentive Program (LIP), administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, offers cost-share funding to private landowners who wish to implement conservation practices that benefit wildlife, both upland and aquatic species and their habitats. Learn More

CAMPO expands to include Burnet County

The Capitol Area Management Planning Organization (CAMPO) is responsible for coordinating transportation plans for counties and cities surrounding Austin. The boundaries have been expanded and the organization has formalized a cooperative planning agreement with Lone Star Rail for high capacity transit plans in Central Texas. Read CAMPO’s recent news here.

Water Bill Falters After Contentious House Debate

A major bill on the top of Gov. Rick Perry's priority list that would authorize spending billions of dollars on state water projects faltered in the Texas House on Monday night after a contentious debate over where to pull the money from. Ritter’s bill, House Bill 11, would have taken $2 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund — a multibillion-dollar reserve of mostly oil and gas taxes — and spent it on water-supply projects, in an effort to help the state withstand future droughts. More from Texas Tribune.

April 29, 2013

Central Texas Water Coalition voices concerns with LCRA Water Management Plans

“The latest version of the LCRA Water Management Plan (WMP), which the TCEQ released for public comment on April 15, 2013, still raises serious concerns.” For example, recent years' data indicates the average inflows have significantly decreased but the plan still uses data from past assumptions. “Average inflows of 1,200,000 AF are assumed as compared to the recent five year average of 450,000 AF.” Read the full list of recommendations from CTWC.

Concerned Hays County citizens gather to discuss Needmore Ranch MUD

More than 400 concerned Hays County citizens gathered at the Wimberley Community Center Thursday evening, April 25, to speak their mind on legislation affecting the long-term health of the area. Citizens Alliance for Responsible Development (CARD) hosted the event to discuss HB 3918, the 5,000 acre Needmore Ranch MUD. Read CARD’s meeting report here. To learn more about the consequences of MUDs read “Why We Really Need to Pay Attention to Special Districts” by Milan J. Michalec here.

SAWS turns off its Medina Lake tap

The San Antonio Water System has stopped drawing water from Medina Lake and shut down its treatment plant on the Medina River because of problems with the quality of the lake water. More from SA Express-News.

April 25, 2013

Limiting Environmental Regs Raises Fears of ‘Race to the Bottom’

Texas likes to be “business friendly” and as the state legislature considers bills to limit environmental regulation to keep it that way, some economists warn of the longer term consequences. Read more from State Impact.

April 23, 2013

Texas EcoLab: A Compelling Alternative to Ag Valuation

EcoLab is a partnership between landowners with ecologically valuable land and university researchers. Under this program, your land could transition into wildlife management use after just 2 years without needing an ag or timber valuation first. Click here to learn more or join the Braun & Gresham webinar April 25th.

A $13 million failure of imagination in Center Point

Explore how in Kerr County the "business as usual" model brings not only a $13 million price tag, but social and natural resource consequences as well. A veteran of over a quarter century of trying to move society toward sustainable water, providing planning and engineering as if water and environmental values matter. Read more from waterblogue.com

Malicious but Delicious

Restaurants are beginning to do their part to raise awareness of invasive animal invaders by putting them on the menu. Austin restaurant, Foreign and Domestic, recently staged a special feast, "Malicious but Delicious," in partnership with the Nature Conservancy with a dish featuring feral hog porchetta. Learn more from the New York Times.

April 22, 2013

As SAWS Pushes Native Plants, Texas Legislature Considers Native Plant Bills

Keeping Texas looking like Texas should get a bit easier if two bills introduced by State Rep. Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) pass the Texas Legislature this session. HB 1116 would create a Texas Native Seed Competitive Grant Program to fund and promote the development and cultivation of native seed. If HB 1135 passes, a Native Seed Committee composed of 12 individuals from around the state will be charged with crafting a master plan for encouraging native seed production and diversity. More from The Rivard Report.

National historic designation plaque to be unveiled at Herff Farm at the Cibolo, April 27

The Cibolo Nature Center & Farm will hold a public ceremony to unveil a bronze plaque at Herff Farm at the Cibolo in Boerne at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, to recognize the farm’s inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Details

Regional Lone Star Land Steward Awards Honor Texas Conservationists

At a time when punishing drought underscores the importance of managing our land and water to help Texas weather the worst, two land owners, two organizations and a mining company are being recognized by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward program for their efforts in rejuvenating native habitat and wildlife across the state. Learn More

April 14, 2013

461 acres added to Government Canyon

Government Canyon now has 461 more acres and includes the second-highest point in Bexar County. The land is over the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer and protects endangered species and San Antonio's water supply. Read more from SA Express-News.

Huber: Don’t let short-term interests steal future prosperity

The recent federal court ruling, faulting the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in the deaths of 23 endangered whooping cranes, directly relates to maintaining prosperity. The judge ruled that the agency has a statutory obligation to ensure enough fresh water flows downriver to the coast to provide viable habitat for critters like blue crabs, which sustain the whooping cranes – and ultimately us. Read more from Karen Huber at Statesman.com.

It's time for a Texas bottle bill, but crusade meets with little enthusiasm in Austin

It's called simply "the bottle bill." And it would set up a 5-cent deposit-refund system that essentially would pay people to turn in plastic and glass beverage containers from things like water, sodas and energy drinks to redemption centers across the state to be recycled. Read more from the Houston Chronicle.

April 5, 2013

City of Buda maintains small-town appeal, wins award

What happens to a small town when it is bombarded with growth? In many cases, the town loses its identity, its quaintness. Ask residents of Buda what they want for the future, and most will say, "Preserve our small town atmosphere." Read more from Hays Free Press.

April 4, 2013

Whooping Cranes Are Important Sentinel of Texas Heritage

The recent federal court opinion holding the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) accountable for the deaths of 23 whooping cranes because of inadequate freshwater inflows to San Antonio Bay has generated a lot of concern and discussion. Read More

Naturalists to give butterfly program at LBJ State Park

Hill Country Chapter Master Naturalists Cathy Downs and Gracie Waggener will present a live butter-fly pavilion program at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn More

Outlook Calls for Texas Drought to Continue Into Summer

Central Texas’ two largest reservoirs, Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan, are at 41 percent capacity, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority, LCRA, website. Those low levels aren’t likely to improve much in the coming months, as the NOAA outlook anticipates warmer and drier weather through June. Read more from State Impact.

Collaboration News on the Upper Llano River Watershed

The second newsletter of the Upper Llano River Watershed Protection Plan is a great summary of events and progress. The Llano is so important to entire Colorado River system; springs on private lands feed this resource that becomes the water supply Austin. Read more. Or download the newsletter here.

Statesman Editorial calls out Austin bashing bills

It isn’t just Austin that suffers though when land development rules are weakened. It’s not a coincidence that Austin is a great place to live. “People who oppose development rules that Austin has lived under for more than 20 years have every right to try to change them through traditional democratic means at City Hall,” state Sen. Kirk Watson said. More from Statesman.com.

April 3, 2013

Texas Watershed Steward program to address water quality, availability

A Texas Watershed Steward workshop on water quality and availability issues related to the Pedernales River will be held May 22 in Fredericksburg. The no-cost training is open to anyone interested in improving the land and watershed quality of the Pedernales River area. Details

April 2, 2013

Aquifers at heart of 'Water is Life' conference, April 18

The future of groundwater in the Edwards Aquifer and across the state will be discussed during a Water is Life conference April 18 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research station in Sonora. "As our state’s population continues to boom, the need for this fast-dwindling precious resource for all living things grows" - Learn More

Pull off the interstate in Junction for kayaking, hiking, birding and barbecue

Junction’s famous for its spring-fed rivers, state park, roosting turkeys, paddling routes, bird watching and pecans. While white-tailed deer hunting still ranks as one of the most popular draws for visitors, things are changing. Eco tourism is on the rise. “Probably in 30 years we’ll have more people coming for butterflies, birding and night skies than we do for deer hunting." Read the full story from Statesman.com

Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance releases Legislative Agenda for the 83rd Session

The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance has released their Legislative Agenda for the 83rd Session of the Texas Legislature. This agenda includes bills filed as of March 29th, 2013. The Agenda has been compiled by consensus and endorsed by all forty-seven of our member groups, spanning twenty-one counties in Central Texas. Collectively, our groups represent approximately 25,000 Texans. Read More

March 30, 2013

UGRA: River quality in better shape

Water quality in the local Guadalupe River watershed improved last year, according to a recent report by the Upper Guadalupe River Authority. Although 2012 was drier than ideal, a few rainfalls produced beneficial flooding, said Tara Bushnoe, UGRA natural resources coordinator. Read More

March 27, 2013

The Future of the Hill Country

HCA’s David Baker will be part of panel tomorrow (Thursday) hosted by the Hill Country Conservancy focused on developmental trends, landowner perspectives, the effects upon municipalities, infrastructure, groundwater, and most importantly the impacts of this pace of change on residents and the quality of life in Central Texas and the Hill Country. The luncheon program takes place at Green Pastures in Austin. Click here for more information and to make a reservation.

Texas Tribune launches “In the Flow”

Exciting to see The Texas Water Symposium, one of HCA’s partner programs is featured in Volume 1, Issue 1, Story 1. Click here to read the first issue of In the Flow and become a subscriber yourself.

Barnes: George Cofer works to save open spaces

Cofer (head of the Hill Country Conservancy) has led the charge to snap up conservation easements in the Hill Country, allowing some private projects, thereby securing legal protection for other open space in perpetuity. Soon, his group will help break ground on Phase 2 of a grand project — the 30-mile Violet Crown Trail that will link the parks and greenbelts in Austin’s urban core toward a spine of Hill Country that arcs across the Barton Springs recharge zone. More from Statesman.com.

Award given to South Llano Watershed Alliance

The Junction-based South Llano Watershed Alliance is a winner of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s 2013 Lone Star Land Steward Award. Former First Lady Laura Bush will be the keynote speaker at an awards ceremony in Austin on May 21. Read More

March 25, 2013

Drought Response Sparks the Battle of St. Augustine

At some point, the realities of water in Texas will reach a point where it is impossible to lay all of the drought’s harm on someone else. Lawns — and whether to keep them in the face of a protracted water shortage — come into the argument. Read more from Texas Tribune.

Water cutbacks loom

If conditions continue unabated, the Edwards Aquifer Authority for the first time in its history, will declare Uvalde County to be in Stage 5, thus triggering a 44-percent cut in pumping.” Read full article from Uvalde-Leader News.

March 21, 2013

Winemiller: The real cost of the Texas drought

The 2011 drought was not as impactful as the “drought of record” during the 1950s. In the wake of that terrible decade, Texas embarked on a massive campaign of infrastructure construction to achieve water security. But the situation is different now, and this time we cannot simply build our way out of a water crisis. Read more from Statesman.com.

Water: For Thirsty Lawns or Thirsty People?

The Texas Water Development Board estimates that 40 percent of all municipal water use is outdoors. Of that, half is lost to runoff from the excessive watering of lawns. This is drinking water that is simply wasted. This is water that could easily be conserved. Read more from HCA's Milan J. Michalec and the Rivard Report.

March 20, 2013

“Kimble County - Where Our Stars Are Stars”

The Kimble County Chamber of Commerce & Junction Tourism has announced their new “Kimble County – Where Our Stars Are Stars!” Night Skies Friendly Business Recognition Program. Learn More

HCA in action featured in the LCRA Aqua Vita newsletter

“Stewardship in Action” by Robin Berry, gives a wonderful recap of our recent Water Symposium and gathering at 700 Springs. “Rural land steward panelists David Langford, Tom Vandivier and Ruthie Russell described how their land management practices help maintain water levels in the beautiful spring-fed Llano River” Read the newsletter and don’t miss the wonderful slide show of pictures!

March 19, 2013

The Texas Water Plan - An 18 Year Old Perspective

Are we listening to the next generation? 18 year-old Justin Wolfe writes, "The state’s next step ought to be to legislate groundwater as a public resource, so as to manage and regulate it effectively. Only by managing this resource can we ensure the longevity of our water system for generations to come." Read Justin's full article here.

March 18, 2013

Bringing back the Milky Way

The Hill Country Alliance (HCA) presents a tour of events March 25th through March 28th to further a movement to foster a night sky friendly Hill Country. Programs will take place in Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Llano and Johnson City. Working with local partners, HCA has created a model workshop to teach and inspire ways to protect our night sky from light pollution. Learn More

March 15, 2013

Major Water Funding Bill Moves One Step Forward, Prioritizes Conservation

Significant new funding for water projects in a dry, thirsty Texas moved one step closer to becoming a reality Thursday. The bill, HB 4, would take money from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to start a loan program for new water projects. Read more from State Impact Texas.

Monarchs in trouble: Bad news for the butterfly species in Mexico and Texas

“The severe drought in Texas and much of the Southwest continues to wreak havoc with the number of monarchs. The conditions have been dry both here and in Mexico in recent years. It takes four generations of the insects to make it all of the way up to Canada, and because of lack of milkweed along the way, a lot of them just don’t make it.” Read full article from Texas Climate News.

In the Valley, not just farmers, but cities, may run out of water by spring

In the Lower Rio Grande Valley, water shortages are shaping up as a crisis not just for farmers but also for entire cities this year, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. In 2009, the area experienced the worst drought in decades, as did much of the state, but this year is shaping up to be much worse for area residents, said Dr. Guy Fipps, AgriLife Extension irrigation engineer, College Station. Read More

March 14, 2013

Hill Country Alliance Calls for Entries in 7th Annual Photo Contest

For its 7th Annual Hill Country Photo Contest, HCA is looking for photography that captures the spectacular beauty of this region, images that illuminate the very things that are worth protecting, and the historical or cultural stories that need to be told. The Photo Contest Call for Entries is open through May 31, 2013. Learn More

Judge rules in favor of WVWA

Dwight Peschel, Senior Judge of the 25th Judicial District, has released a letter indicating he is ruling in favor of the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association in its lawsuit against the Hays-Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and Wimberley Springs Partners. Read Full Wimberley View article.

March 13, 2013

Cibolo Conservancy sets workshop to help families protect land, receive tax incentives

A workshop exploring how families can legally protect and preserve the legacy of their land – and be eligible for tax relief at the same time – will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm auditorium. Learn More

Texas Water Symposium – the precious springs of Texas

The latest Texas Water Symposium (TWS) was hosted by the Llano River Field Station at Texas Tech in Junction on March 8th. The TWS provides perspectives from policy makers, scientists, water experts, and regional leaders on dealing with the complexity and challenges in providing water for Texans in this century. The Junction symposium focused on the vast importance of springs and the connections between groundwater, surface water, science, and stewardship. Read full Junction Eagle article.

March 12, 2013

Water on the Home Front: New Report Highlights HOA Restrictions on Xeriscaping

“Texas faces an unprecedented water crisis, and most of the HOA landscaping rules that we found are barriers to the ability of ordinary homeowners to conserve,” said David Foster, State Director for Clean Water Fund and the report's author. He added: “Lawn watering can account for 60% or more of a typical homeowner's overall water usage.” Read More

Judge rules in favor of the Aransas Project in whooping crane case

The Court issued an order preventing the TCEQ from approving or granting new water permits affecting the Guadalupe or San Antonio Rivers “until the State of Texas provides reasonable assurances to the Court” that new permits would not result in harm to the whooping cranes. Learn More

Catching water from the sky

Water conservation has become a hot-button issue as water becomes more expensive and scarcer, especially during times of drought. Restrictions on landscape watering are common during the hotter months, and the (San Antonio) city council recently approved an 8.4 percent rate increase that SAWS requested. But customers who install catchment systems develop habits that reduce water usage, said Jim Champion of San Antonio-based Texas Rainfall Catchment. “Even with the smallest system, people gain new, better habits about using water,” he said. “They become more conscious of their water use.” Read more from SA Express-News

March 6, 2013

Billboards on Scenic Highways in Comal County

Billboards on Scenic Highways in Comal County will be the topic of the League of Women Voters - Comal Area public meeting March 21. Chris Cornwell, of Scenic Comal County, will describe the problem of proliferation of billboards along highways in the unincorporated areas of the county and Gus Cannon & Wendy Knox, from the Texas Department of Transportation, will explain the current regulations for billboards on state maintained highways in Comal County. Property owners have been invited to provide the point of view defending private property rights and financial considerations. Details

The Central Texas Water Coalition (CTWC) proposes buying out rice farmers

"What we have asked for is simple. That the LCRA take a close look at the concept before authorizing construction of the first reservoir. A committee of farmers and upstream interests should be brought together to see if the idea makes sense, just as the bitter enemies of ranchers and environmentalists eventually came together in the Texas Hill Country to find a middle ground, and to formulate a Win/Win solution to their problems." Read more from CTWC President Jo Karr Tedder.

Texas' Water Future: What if it isn't there - or it's too costly?

Seeing our legislature taking a good, long and hopefully, logical look at our State Water Plan and its financing is hopeful. But going for the big, expensive and glamorous water projects will often cause more problems and not reduce our appetite for what is now more precious than gold, oil or gas—water. Read more from Mike Mecke in Ranch & Rural living here.

March 5, 2013

Rainwater Revival Garners ‘Texas Rain Catcher’ Award for Public Education Excellence

“We’re honored to receive this recognition from the Texas Water Development Board,” said Karen Ford, HCA Board Member and chair of the event. “Our goal is to offer a useful, entertaining event that inspires anyone interested in conserving our water resources to learn how rainwater harvesting can become a reality for their home or business. With hundreds of people attending each of our three annual events to date, we help make rainwater catchment an easy priority for everyone.” Read More

March 4, 2013

Blanco Post Office Installs Night Sky-Friendly Lights

Sometimes its what you don’t see that is really impressive. Such was the case recently when the Blanco Post Office installed new LED bulbs in the recently replaced carriage lights on the front of the Post Office building. The bulbs that originally had been installed in the new fixtures shined straight out onto the street and caused an irritating white glare for motorists and pedestrians alike. Additionally, because the lights shined above the horizon, they contributed to Blanco’s sky glow. Read more from Blanco County News.


More News

Video: I'm for the Hill Country

Watch Now