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
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 16, 2010
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 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 documentshere.
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
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.