2010 Lone Star Land Steward Awards Winners Announced
AUSTIN — When Mother Nature shines as she’s done this spring, it makes anyone with a plot of dirt look good. But, it’s those times when the rains don’t come and the heat turns most of Texas brown and crunchy that a landowner’s mettle is put to the test. Those who can keep habitat conditions going in tough times as well as good are true conservation heroes.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards program recognizes those 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.
This year’s crop of award winners represents broad and sometimes unique conservation goals, from traditional wildlife management alongside livestock operations to conservation missionaries who’ve taken to the Internet to share their gospel.
Again this year the Lone Star Land Steward Awards are benefiting from a partnership with Sand County Foundation, an international non-profit organization devoted to private lands conservation. The Leopold Conservation Award recipient will be honored this year’s award banquet, set for May 26, 2010 at the Austin Airport Marriott South Hotel, and will receive $10,000 and the Leopold crystal award.
The Leopold Conservation Award honors the legacy of Aldo Leopold (1887-1948), who is considered the father of wildlife ecology. His collection of essays, "A Sand County Almanac," remains one of the world’s best-selling natural history books. Leopold’s godson, Reed Coleman, formed Sand County Foundation in 1965 to protect the Leopold farm from encroaching lot development along the Wisconsin River.
The Lone Star Land Steward Awards are sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, H. Yturria Land and Cattle, Texas Wildlife Association, U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lower Colorado River Authority, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Agricultural Land Trust and Llano Springs Ranch, Ltd.
This year’s ecoregion winners characterize the unique cultural and natural heritage of Texas. Landowners restoring degraded habitats while conserving flora and fauna are a common thread. Following are summaries of stewardship highlights for each of the ecoregion and category recipients.
Blackland Prairie — Quebe Farm, Brenham, Washington County; Charlotte von Rosenberg, Owner/Operator
Quebe Farm in Washington County has been owned by the same family for 122 years. Practices such as rotational grazing, prescribed burning, selective removal of invasive species are used to restore and maintain diverse native blackland prairie for a variety of grassland species. A 12-acre prairie remnant on the property that has never been plowed serves as one of the most diverse examples of native blackland prairie in the county. Charlotte von Rosenberg has hosted many educational programs for Texas AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M University, local Master Naturalists, Native Plant Society, Texas Wildlife Association and others. In 2007, she opened a bed and breakfast on the farm to share her dedication and love of the prairie with photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Cross Timbers and Prairies — Rocosa Ridge Ranch, Meridian, Bosque County; Bruce Berg, Owner/Operator
Rocosa Ridge Ranch is a fine example of how excellent stewardship of a successful livestock operation can increase forage production and species diversity, enhance wildlife habitat, protect endangered species, and improve watershed conditions. Forage monitoring and flexible stocking, rotational grazing, brush sculpting, and a five-to-seven-year prescribed burning rotation all contribute to excellent range condition. The ranch has used NRCS Farm Bill programs and the TPWD Managed Lands Deer Program to enhance habitats and manage deer populations. They also participate in the Fort Hood Recovery Credit System to protect Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat. The ranch has hosted numerous range and wildlife management field days and hunts for youth of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
Edwards Plateau — Flagler Ranch, Edwards/Real Counties; George G. Matthews, Owner; Louis Scherer III, Operator
In the heart of the Edwards Plateau, Flagler Ranch includes 3,600 acres of limestone hills and draws located along the western edge of the Guadalupe River watershed near Mountain Home-an area locally known as the Divide. Since its purchase in 1992, owner George Matthews has focused on an ecosystem management approach including an aggressive prescribed burning program to control invasive prickly pear and regrowth ash juniper in an effort to repair more than 100 years of range abuse. Commercial whitetail and exotic hunting provides the majority of ranch income-with many of the trophies being of record-book quality. The extensive burning program has improved woody browse structure and diversity on the ranch with approximately 400 acres now deemed suitable nesting habitat for the endangered Black-capped vireo.
Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes — Lone Oak Ranch, Anahuac, Chambers County; Dave Wilcox and Oliver Smart, Owners/Operators
Proper grazing, prescribed burning, Chinese tallow control, and moist soil management practices are used to enhance both upland and wetland habitats on the Lone Oak Ranch. Providing high quality wintering habitat for waterfowl is an important goal. A number of old rice fields on the ranch have been converted to moist soil impoundments and managed using gravity fed canals to create productive resting and feeding areas for waterfowl. The ranch has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in hosting landowner workshops to demonstrate integration of agriculture and wildlife habitat management. As community leaders, the owners have shown how excellent stewardship can increase biological diversity and improve habitat for waterfowl and migratory songbirds.
High Plains — Running R Ranch, Muleshoe, Bailey County; Dr. Robert Lepard, Owner; Reggie Johnson, Operator
The Running R Ranch, located in the sandhills of Bailey County, provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including bobwhite and scaled quail, pheasant, and mule deer. The ranch participates in the NRCS special EQIP area for Lesser Prairie Chickens and is working with TPWD in the Managed Lands Deer Program for mule deer. Habitat improvements include cross fencing for grazing management and installation of water lines and guzzlers to provide water for livestock and wildlife. A leader in the community of Muleshoe, Dr. Robert Lepard has opened his ranch for landowner field days, to graduate students at Texas Tech University, and to local high school students seeking summer employment. Stewardship and continuous learning is the goal and the commitment of the Running R Ranch.
Pineywoods — Ewing Mound, Lufkin, Angelina County; Simon W. Henderson III, Owner/Operator
Ewing Mound is managed primarily for pine timber, with management practices that include thinning stands based on a 50-to-60-year rotation and prescribed burning to enhance herbaceous vegetation. Wildlife goals for the property include producing quality white-tailed deer, reducing feral hogs, enhancing habitat for eastern wild turkey, and managing a small population of bobwhite quail. Historically, part of the sawmill town of Ewing was located on the property. A prominent remnant of this era is the 11-acre "mill pond" and ruins of the sawmill. Simon W. Henderson III is responsible for the creation of the Simon and Louise Henderson Wildlife Research Institute at the Arthur Temple College of Forestry at Stephen F. Austin State University. The property is available to SFA students for research and field trips. Community youth groups are also welcomed.
Rolling Plains — Mott Creek Ranch, Matador, Motley County; Marisue Potts Powell, Owner/Operator
Mott Creek Ranch is committed to conserving natural resources while balancing the needs of people, cattle and wildlife. Forage production, plant diversity, fawning and nesting cover have improved due to flexible stocking rates, rotational grazing, water development, and brush management. The ranch participates in the TPWD Managed Lands Deer Program for White-tailed and Mule Deer and has enhanced quail habitat and riparian areas through the NRCS EQIP program. Habitat management for wildlife works hand-in-hand with cattle raising, nature tourism and preservation of cultural sites. The ranch has hosted trail rides, educational seminars and archeological excavation as well as mule deer research. According to Marisue Potts Powell, "Conservation . . . makes sense monetarily, aesthetically and morally. It is the right thing to do".
South Texas Plains — Duval County Ranch, Duval/Webb Counties; David Killam, Owner; David Kitner, Operator
The goals of the ranch are to foster quality habitat conditions for all native South Texas wildlife with emphasis on white-tailed deer and bobwhite quail. Through vision and hard work, David Killam and operator David Kitner have transformed the landscape from an abused rangeland to a healthy ecosystem with flourishing wildlife populations, while maintaining profitability. Grazing management, aeration, and prescribed burning are used to restore and enhance habitat. Supplemental water has been provided throughout the ranch, using polypipe, tanks, and guzzlers. The ranch has hosted several workshops on habitat and water improvements, cooperated in research, and hosted field days for college students. They have also hosted hunts for the Wounded Warriors and Hunts for Heros Organizations as well as the Texas Youth Hunting Program.
Trans Pecos — Brite Ranch, Valentine, Presidio County; Jane Brite, White Trust, Owners/Operators
The Brite Ranch is striving to manage the balanced production of livestock and wildlife, with emphasis on mule deer, pronghorn, Carmen Mountain White-tails, desert quail, javelina and small game. Overall rangeland improvement through time is the ultimate management goal of the ranch, providing a diversity of quality habitats for native species while maintaining and improving grazing productivity for cattle. Income from hunting has become increasingly important over the last decades. The ranch is also exploring ecotourism opportunities for birding, geology exploration, and history. Unique features such as Capote Creek headwaters, cienega and falls have been protected by the ranch for over a century, as has the Brite Store, which has remained relatively unchanged since the days of Pancho Villa.
Wildlife Management Association — Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association, Inc., 20 counties; Dr. Charles A. Taylor, Administrator
The Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association was established in 1997 at the Texas AgriLife Research Station near Sonora. The purpose of the organization is to empower and equip ranchers to manage rangelands using prescribed fire. With more than 500 landowner members, this neighbor-helping-neighbor cooperative has provided the resources, education, and encouragement necessary to help restore fire to rangelands on a sustained basis. The EPPBA was the first burn cooperative in Texas and has been the model for others to follow. Members are encouraged to participate in as many prescribed burns as possible, building an experienced labor force ready to help each other. More than 600 prescribed burns on approximately 500,000 acres have been completed since 1997.
Corporation — Matador Ranch, Matador, Motley, Dickens, Cottle, Crosby and Floyd Counties; The Matador Cattle Company, Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC; Bob Kilmer, Operator
Covering 129,000 acres in five counties, the Matador Ranch has employed all the tools of range and wildlife management to continuously improve the long term health and productivity of its land and water resources. Their goal is to profitably sustain domestic livestock and wildlife in an optimal balance. Rest-rotational grazing systems that control seasonal use, duration, and stock density are used to manage for increased quality and quantity of desirable forage. Strategic brush management has improved riparian areas, enhanced natural springs, and improved nesting cover for turkeys and quail. White-tailed and mule deer are surveyed annually along with quail, feral hogs, javelina, coyotes and turkeys.
Special Recognition — Fort Sam Houston/Camp Bullis Training Site, U.S. Army, Bexar County; Colonel Mary Garr, Commander; Lucas Cooksey, Biologist
Camp Bullis is the 28,000-acre field training area of Fort Sam Houston near San Antonio. The base has been managing its deer herd, assisted by TPWD, since 1957. Management for endangered birds includes protection of more than 10,000 acres of dense old growth woodland for the Golden-cheeked warbler. Their Karst Management Plan guides efficient management of both cave biology and groundwater recharge. Goals for Camp Bullis include maintaining balanced ecosystems while enhancing military training and readiness. Innovations such as cable concrete water crossings and brush management using the low impact "cedar eater" help reduce erosion in sensitive areas. Camp Bullis also supports a wide range of natural resource research and demonstration.
Special Recognition — Education and Outreach — Bear Springs Blossom, Pipe Creek (Bandera), Bandera County; Peter and Marianne Bonenberger
Peter and Marianne Bonenberger found the place they call Bear Springs Blossom Nature Preserve quite by accident; while splitting their time between the Hill Country and their native Germany. A 125-acre island of old-growth juniper woodlands and canyons in eastern Bandera County, the property gets its name from Bear Springs Ranch-founded in 1866. After purchasing 80 acres and moving to the property, the Bonenberger’s founded the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Bear Springs Blossom Nature Conservation Group to facilitate their interest in education and outreach. The organization now includes more than 900 members in 8 countries. A conservation easement now offers permanent protection for the entire 125-acre tract. At Bear Springs Blossom, lectures and guided tours are made available on a wide range of natural history topics and environmental issues.
The Latest News
LCRA was selling water from Burnet County well that's now dry
The Lower Colorado River Authority was selling water from the Spicewood Beach water system less than four weeks before the well serving the area ran dry, officials said Wednesday. Read full Statesman.com article.
Panel discussion with the Imagine Austin Citizens' Advisory Task Force, February 10
The University of Texas will host the next installment of its City Forum series, February 10, with a panel discussion on the City of Austin's long-awaited comprehensive plan, Imagine Austin. Learn More
TWDB to Decide “Desired” Future of Trinity Aquifer on March 1st
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) was scheduled to review two challenges and decide on the reasonableness of the Desired Future Conditions for the Trinity Aquifer in the Texas Hill Country at their February 1st board meeting. At the request of WVWA, the Board President granted a continuance yesterday and moved the agenda item to the March 1st scheduled board meeting. TWDB is expected to rule on a protest to the Desired Future Condition (DFC) goal adopted by GMA 9, a goal that some argue is not sustainable. The proposed DFC allows for an average of 30 feet of additional groundwater decline over the next 50 years (an average of 19 feet across Hays County). Read More
Travis County passed new rules to protect water resources
After months of vetting by a diverse volunteer stakeholder committee made up of scientists, developer interests, landowners, residents and groundwater planning professionals Travis County Commissioners unanimously passed recommended new subdivision rules dealing with water use. “Already built or planned subdivisions and those with five or fewer lots that use surface water or have a rainwater collection system to back up groundwater would be exempt from the rules.” Read a brief from the Austin American Statesman that includes a link to the feature article from earlier this week here. Read Travis County staff summary to the Court here.
Spicewood Beach and neighbors getting water trucked in
A Central Texas community has run out of water amid a statewide drought, prompting the Lower Colorado River Authority to start trucking in water. Read more from Statesman.com.
Rethinking water: Growing population, limited supply mean costs destined to rise, experts say
Is water too cheap? Perhaps the most obvious indication that it is, said Michael Webber, a University of Texas professor who heads a research group focused on water and energy, is how freely we use it. A growing population requires more water, which the state says can't come from one source. Addressing the state's water needs requires a range of solutions, most of which are expensive. Read more from Statesman.com.
New Study shows billboards hurt nearby property values
A new study shows that billboards negatively affect the values of neighboring properties. It also found that cities with strict billboard controls are experiencing greater economic prosperity than those with controls that are less strict. Read full article in Scenic America's newsletter, Scenic Overlook.
Couple's fight with pipeline company pits Texans' love of oil vs. love of land
The Gipses are one of hundreds in the Crossroads with pipelines crisscrossing their property. For the Gipses and others, their worries aren't about fracking or possible pollutants. For them, the problems start with two legal words: eminent domain. Read full VictoriaAdvocate.com article.
Night Skies showing Venus and the Moon
The HCA photo contest opens on March 1st which is just one month away. Right now the night sky is displaying a wonderful show of the Moon and Venus. Check out these beautiful, inspirational photos. Many local efforts are underway to retrofit outdated lighting in order to protect the night skies. Keep up with this issue and talk with your neighbors about protecting starry skies in the Hill Country.
Lawyer was the bridge over troubled waters
Robert Gulley returned to San Antonio after 44 years to accept a job with the expectation he would fail. His task was to get a 26-member committee representing industry, environmental groups, farmers and cities to agree on how to share the Edwards Aquifer. Read more from SA Express-News.
Burnet/Llano County Water Issues Meeting, January 26
The Central Texas Water Coalition (CTWC), together with Burnet County, will hold an informational session on the region’s most pressing water issues. Area residents and business owners will be able to engage in a Q&A session with a panel of representatives from LCRA, TCEQ, TWDB, Corp of Engineers, and CTWC. Details
LCRA water plan revisions are ready for public comment
“Releasing a new proposed model for managing its water, the Lower Colorado River Authority published its draft water plan Tuesday, detailing stricter guidelines for releasing water to rice farmers and nearly doubling water reserves for cities and power plants.” The plan is posted at LCRA.org. Comments are due February 9th and can be submitted electronically. The LCRA Board will consider the plan at its February 22 meeting. Read more from the Austin American Statesman.
Medina Lake withers on
Medina Lake not been this low in more than two decades, and the lake is expected to continue to lose a few inches every day as the 15-month drought continues. Every drop means less water available for farmers and the city of San Antonio. Read full Houston Chronicle article.
LCRA: Spicewood Beach wells have two to three weeks of water remaining
The well supplying water for about 1,100 residents near Spicewood Beach in Burnet County is at risk of running dry in two to three weeks because of prolonged drought conditions…"We are hopeful that conservation efforts will extend the life of the well, but even so, it is likely the well will become unusable in the next few weeks." Learn More
Drought Emergency Planning Workshops
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will be hosting drought emergency planning workshops throughout the state in January and February 2012. The workshops will provide local government officials, board members, and their water system operators information and tools to prevent and mitigate water outages. Learn More
Wildfire Preparedness Seminar, January 30 in Kerrville
The Upper Guadalupe River Authority has partnered with Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Kerr County, and Headwaters GCD to bring a wildfire preparedness seminar to our area. Topics will include the current status of the drought, wildfire prevention and preparedness, local burning regulations, and a legislative forecast. Details
Wind Turbines + Transmission: A Performance Art Show
Andy Wilkinson designed the project to capture the changing landscape of wind industry through the voices of those involved and impacted by areas of development. He has interviewed farmers, landowners, wind developers, municipal leaders, and environmentalists. The event takes place at TTU in Junction, Thursday evening 1/26. Learn More
Texas' Water Rights System Gets Tested in Drought
Earlier this month, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a notice to a handful of East Texas groups in the Sabine River Basin: Their rights to river water will be suspended because a hunting and fishing club needs more water. The club's right to water predates the others' rights — literally. Read full Texas Tribune article.
Texas Fracking Disclosures to Include Water Totals
Starting Feb. 1, drilling operators in Texas will have to report many of the chemicals they use in hydraulic fracturing. Environmentalists and landowners are looking forward to learning what acids, hydroxides and other materials have gone into a given well.
But a less-publicized part of the regulation is what some water experts are most interested in: the mandatory disclosure of the amount of water needed to “frack” each well. Experts call this an invaluable tool as they evaluate how fracking affects water supplies in the drought-prone state. Read more from Texas Tribune.
Let’s teach our kids about Major Rivers, Watersheds and Aquifers
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has a great program to educate 4th and 5th graders about water resources. Talk this up with your local Hill Country elementary school teachers, let them know that now is the time to order materials. Let’s work together to help the next generation understand watershed systems, the relationship between groundwater and surface water and the importance of conservation. Learn more, register for webinar and place an order here.
Develop water strategy to slake Texans' thirst
The state's population is expected to nearly double by 2060, from 25.4 million people to 46.3 million, according to the state water plan. New management strategies and supply projects are needed to meet the state's residential, business and agricultural water needs. Failure to act could result in devastating business losses, lost jobs and reduced incomes, the state plan says; public health and economic development will suffer. More from Statesman.com.
1,800-home development in western Travis County to go forward
Home construction at the stalled, 1,400-acre Sweetwater development in western Travis County is likely to start by March. On Tuesday, Travis County commissioners unanimously approved aspects of the project that allow Sweetwater's developer to sell lots and continue building roads for the new residential community at Texas 71 near Bee Creek Road. Read full Statesman.com article.
Could water, power woes threaten state's economy?
Dwindling supplies of water and electricity are imperiling the state's economic future, a Texas Senate committee was told Tuesday. Read more from Statesman.com.
Water rate hike provokes county officials
Kerr County commissioners and the county judge had harsh words for the proposed Aqua Texas water rate increase but have basically no way to fend off the new charges. According to the TCEQ, customers have a 150-day comment or protest period after they receive notice of the proposed rate increase. Read full Kerrville Daily Times article.
KLRN Broadcast: Eagle Ford: Opportunity and Challenge
“Predictions on the billions of dollars in oil and natural gas that will come out of the Eagle Ford shale project are mind boggling... The environmental impact of fracking hasn't been effectively measured yet, and many claim the process pollutes well water, or even might cause earthquakes. Read about the program hosted by Robert Rivard. Tune in to KLRN San Antonio, Thursday, January 12th from 8 – 9 pm.
The Future of Texas Drought, January 12
The Central Texas Water Coalition's January 12 meeting will feature, "The Future of Texas Drought," a presentation by Texas State Climatologist, John Nielson-Gammon. Travis County Commissioner Karen Huber will be on hand to talk about her recently released Lake Travis Economic Impact Study, and Burnet County Judge Donna Klaeger will discuss the proposal for the studies of Burnet and Llano Counties. Learn More
After exceptionally hot and dry 2011, more drought forecast for new year
After enduring the record-setting heat and dry conditions of 2011, drought-weary Texans are being greeted with forecasts of more of the same for the new year. Read more from TexasClimateNews.org.
The 2012 State Water Plan was sent to the Governor on January 5, 2012
“The primary message of the 2012 State Water Plan is a simple one: In serious drought conditions, Texas does not and will not have enough water to meet the needs of its people, its businesses, and its agricultural enterprises.” Learn more from TWDB. Read what Tom Mason, former LCRA General Manager has to say about the plan here.
Keeping rural roots alive without leaving the city
A great story featuring thoughts of Wendell Berry and Wes Jackson, two sustainable agriculture pioneers… “We came here as poor people on rich land, but now we are rich people on poor land," Jackson said. "As we made 'progress,' we didn't realize what we were undoing in the process. Our society is built upon the withdrawal on the "capital stock of the earth." Read story from Statesman.com.
Private Lands, Public Benefits: Innovations to Sustain the Private Lands that Provide Food, Fiber and Water Policy
In early December, the Texas Agricultural Land Trust and Texas Department of Agriculture hosted Private Lands, Public Benefits in Austin, Texas. The full day conference showcased examples of unique, market based approaches to land and natural resource conservation. Topics included; land fragmentation and loss of rural lands, purchase of development rights or “PDR” programs, the value of natural ecosystems and conservation easements. Learn more about the conference and access speaker presentations. Learn more about Land Conservation and Conservation Easements.
Environmental impact of CREZ
December 23rd was the final day to submit public comments for the LCRA draft Environmental Assessment (dEA), draft Habitat Conservation Plan (dHCP) and related Incidental Take Permit (ITP). The Study Area includes six counties (Tom Green, Schleicher, Kimble, Kerr, Gillespie and Kendall) The impacts of these 18-story high lattice towers used to build 178 miles of industrial scale transmission lines (known as CREZ projects) will change the Hill Country region forever. Hearings will be set soon, you can find out more and review documents at USFW. Comments filed by SOSHE and CVA are posted on our CREZ Issue page.
The Texas Water Crisis
Texas water authorities at every level are on alert. Last summer’s extremely hot, dry weather was a wake-up call. Now more than a dozen Texas towns are in danger of running out of water. Texas is in a water crisis. To make it official, the Texas Water Development Board December report says the state reservoirs are extremely low even after some autumn rain. More from CleanHouston.org
Dangers of fracking still becoming clear
The word "fracking" may sound funny, but it describes a drilling practice that has created a serious boom in natural gas production in Texas and elsewhere, and with the boom has come serious worries about fracking's effects on the environment. More from Statesman.com.
Final piece of aquifer plan approved
In a brief, anticlimactic ending to a painstaking, four-year-long process, the Edwards Aquifer Authority board voted Wednesday to approve the funding for a habitat conservation plan that should keep the region's main aquifer under local control. The plan calls for habitat restoration at the springs, storing water in an underground reservoir built by SAWS, and for all municipal and industrial pumpers to pay farmers not to pump during droughts. Read more from SA Express-News.
Travis County park purchase to add access to Pedernales River
Earlier this month, Travis County commissioners closed on a 770-acre ranch owned by Eugene and Jean Reimers in southwestern Travis County near the Hays County line that will connect Milton Reimers Ranch Park and Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve. More from Statesman.com
EAA Board Approves Funding Agreement for Habitat Conservation Plan
The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) Board of Directors approved a funding and management agreement on Tuesday, December 28, that details how the EAA will pay for implementing a habitat conservation plan (HCP) aimed at protecting threatened and endangered species whose only known habitats are the aquifer-fed Comal and San Marcos springs. More from AACOG.com
Commissioners endorse preserving night skies, PEC offers support
Kimble County and the PEC agree to work together to protect nights skies. “As Judge Murr stated, the night sky is part of the region’s scenic beauty that brings significant economic and financial benefits to the community.” Read more from the Junction Eagle. More from HCA on Night Skies here.
Water planners urged to base needs on centuries, not decades, of drought data
Over the past 500 years, Central Texas has seen droughts far worse than the 1950s drought of record, according to a report commissioned by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and published Wednesday in the December issue of the Texas Water Journal. Researchers warn that makers of water policy should broaden their planning to factor in the possibility of droughts far worse than the spell that set the bar more than a half-century ago. Read more from Statesman.com.
Texas Tree Ring Study Warns of Long Droughts
A new study of tree rings adds to evidence that Texas has experienced at least one 10-year drought every 100 years, as well as several "mega-droughts" lasting 15 to 30 years over the centuries. Read full Texas Tribune article.
Growth of large private water companies brings higher water rates, little recourse for consumers
Across the state, a growing number of suburban Texans are getting their water from large, private corporations owned by investors seeking to profit off the sale of an essential resource. State figures show private companies are seeking more price increases every year, and many are substantial. Read full Statesman.com article.
Water a hot topic in Hill Country despite recent rains
"Statistics provided by the Texas Water Development Board show that groundwater withdrawal from the Hill Country's Edwards and Trinity aquifers increased dramatically between 1975 and 2010. In 1975, less than 10,000 acre-feet were withdrawn annually; that shot up to 41,000 acre-feet in 2010. Mix in recent drought years, and a picture of a thirsty Hill Country natural world comes into sharper focus." Read more from SA Express-News.
Hays County Master Parks Plan Draft Available for Public Review
The draft of the new Hays County Parks, Open Space and Natural Areas Master Plan has been completed and is available for public review through 5 p.m. January 11, 2012. It has not yet been endorsed or adopted by the Hays County Commissioners Court. Read More
Rainwater harvesting system should make this year's wish list
Dear Santa, I've been reasonably good and would like pearl earrings, an electric lap blanket, a digital reading device and, oh yes, a rain water harvesting system. With water being a top concern, you may want to add this to your Christmas wish list. Capturing rain water is a great way to improve your water resources. Read more from MyWestTexas.com.
LCRA downsizes staff, reapproves selling water system for $140 million
The Lower Colorado River Authority has eliminated about 200 jobs in a cost-saving measure and reapproved selling off one of its largest water and wastewater systems for $140 million. Read more from Statesman.com.
New rules for fracking approved
The Texas Railroad Commission approved a rule Tuesday requiring oil and natural gas drillers to disclose most of the chemicals they use in hydraulic fracturing. Read full SA Express-News article.
Vote sinks aquifer funding
The Edwards Aquifer Authority board failed Tuesday to approve funding for a plan to assure continued pumping from the region's main aquifer and protect springflows in San Marcos and New Braunfels. The 8-7 vote against the funding agreement means it will be very difficult if not impossible to meet the deadline established by the state Legislature for a habitat conservation plan. Read full SA Express-News article.
Wildlife Tax Valuation Workshop
The Cibolo Nature Center and Texas Parks and Wildlife are presenting a three part Wildlife Tax Valuation Workshop in January. This indepth seminar is especially for owners with more than 20 acres and emphasizes wildlife management strategies that improve native habitat and increase species diversity. Details
Texas State Parks need $4.6 million to help keep parks open
Record drought and heat, devastating wildfires, and a drop in visitation have led to a critical situation for state parks. See how you can help.
Texas’ multibillion-dollar cost to build wind energy lines raises doubts
Texas electricity regulators proposed the $5 billion project a few years ago to bring West Texas wind power to North Texas and Houston. But the markets and the political mood have changed. Carbon dioxide is no longer the most popular foe. Now it’s electricity shortages and blackouts. Read full DallasNews.com article.
Hill Country Landowners take action to protect springs and property rights
So, what happens when local residents and landowners don’t agree with the groundwater management plan handed down by a regional governing body that affects the future of a precious, local groundwater resource?
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has a process for such situations, and it’s now playing out with precision in the Wimberley Valley of Hays County. Read More
A sustainable Hill Country eats locally
December 3rd – December 10th is the 5th Annual Edible Austin Eat Drink Local Week! Hosted by Edible Austin, this is Austin’s premier local food event, celebrating local seasonal food and foodmakers in Central Texas and raising money for Urban Roots and Sustainable Food Center. Learn more about Hill Country sustainable agriculture here.
Regional Rail from San Antonio to Georgetown
Project Connect is a collaboration of transportation agencies exploring “high-capacity transit” for our region. Check out this news segment from KUT and KXAN. Open house public meetings will be held in the Austin area December 6, 8 and 9. Learn More
Submit Your Nominations for the Texas Rain Catcher Award
Time is running out to submit your entry for the 4th Annual Texas Rain Catcher Award. The Texas Water Development Board's (TWDB) Texas Rain Catcher Award is a "rainwater harvesting" competition and recognition program designed to promote rainwater technology, educate the public, and recognize excellence in the application of rainwater harvesting systems in Texas. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 31. More information on eligibility, benefits, judging, entries and past winners is available on the TWDB's Innovative Water Technologies website.
Read more Hill Country newsEmphasized
Upcoming Events
February
February 1-3 in San Antonio - Texas Trails & Active Transportation Conference - Details
February 7 in Austin - Texas Enterprise Speaker Series Presents: What's the Future of Energy? | Details
February 7 in Kerrville - Drought Emergency Planning Workshop - Details
February 9 in New Braunfels - Drought Emergency Planning Workshop - Details
February 10 in Austin - City Forum, Imagine Austin: Looking Back, Looking Forward - Details
February 15-17 in San Antonio - Texas Transportation Forum - Details
February 22-24 in Austin - Texas Land Trust Council's 2012 Statewide Land Conservation Council - Details
February 23-24 in San Antonio - 13th Annual Changing Face of Water Rights Course - Details
March
March 7-9 in Dallas - Texas Water Conservation Association (TWCA) 2012 Annual Convention - Details
March 30-April 1 in San Marcos - Texas Rainwater Catchment Association's 2012 Conference - Details
April
April 25-28 - 13th Annual Nature Quest - Learn from Hill Country nature experts through field trips, workshops, nature by kayak and programs along the Clear Frio, Nueces & Sabinal Rivers - Details
April 27-29 in Fredericksburg - Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival - Details
May
May 5 in Bandera - 12th Annual Medina River Cleanup - Details
August
August 28-30 in Austin - Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts: Texas Groundwater Summit - Details
See more upcoming events
2012 Texas Hill Country Calendar
This spectacular combination of art, literature and nature is intended to inspire new and creative ways of protecting this fragile region.
Click here to purchase
Imagine a place where vibrant communities draw strength from their natural assets to sustain their quality of life. A place where citizens care about protecting the special qualities of a region – their region. A place where people and partners band together to envision a better economic future, tackle shared challenges and care for the natural, scenic, and recreational resources that define the place they call home.
~This is a Conservation Landscape
Helpful Mapping Resources - Beautiful and informative maps of the region to print and share.
HCA Dynamic Mapping Tool - This dynamic online mapping tool includes water resource information, regional geography, natural resource information, jurisdictional boundaries and more using GIS layers in an easy to use Google Earth platform.
