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Aquifer - Edwards

July 1, 2008

The 'Hill Country Militia' out to protect Central Texan water

"A series of long-simmering insults, coupled with rapacious growth on the fringes of Bexar County, is driving many rural residents to radicalize in ways they could not have predicted," writes Greg Harman for the Austin Chronicle. "The mobilization of what might best be called the "Hill Country Militia" is an event with water at its heart."
Read the full story here.

June 27, 2008

SAWS to begin drawing from water reserves

"This morning, [San Antonio Water System] is reversing the pumps and sending the water from the reserve into its water system pipelines to ease stress on the Edwards Aquifer, which is below normal levels due to drought," reported the San Antonio Express-News Friday. "Since the Edwards Aquifer Authority implemented water restrictions Monday, SAWS must reduce its use of Edwards Aquifer water by 20 percent."
Read the full story here.

June 23, 2008

Edwards Aquifer Authority declares Stage I critical levels

Much of the Edwards Aquifer region is now under mandatory groundwater restrictions after the Edwards Aquifer Authority today declared commencement of Stage I of its critical period management plan.
Read the full report from the Edwards Aquifer Authority after the jump, and read the Austin American-Statesman brief here.
Click here for more

June 23, 2008

Alarm Stage Drought

At the June 23 Board meeting, the Board of Directors of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District declared an Alarm Stage Drought for the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer,effective immediately. The drought area includes much of southern Travis and northern Hays Counties.
Click here for more

June 17, 2008

Public meeting on aquifer management Tuesday June 24th in Buda

Groundwater Management Area 10 will host a public meeting in Buda Tuesday to discuss aquifer management. Click here to view the meeting flyer.

June 11, 2008

Summer drought possible for the Hill Country

Unlike last year's soggy summer, this year's forecast has officials saying this could be a dry summer for Central Texas. For more on what a drought could mean for the region, water restrictions that may go into effect, and what you can do to save water this summer, click here.

Aquifer - Trinity

June 27, 2008

SAWS to begin drawing from water reserves

"This morning, [San Antonio Water System] is reversing the pumps and sending the water from the reserve into its water system pipelines to ease stress on the Edwards Aquifer, which is below normal levels due to drought," reported the San Antonio Express-News Friday. "Since the Edwards Aquifer Authority implemented water restrictions Monday, SAWS must reduce its use of Edwards Aquifer water by 20 percent."
Read the full story here.

June 17, 2008

Public meeting on aquifer management Tuesday June 24th in Buda

Groundwater Management Area 10 will host a public meeting in Buda Tuesday to discuss aquifer management. Click here to view the meeting flyer.

June 11, 2008

Summer drought possible for the Hill Country

Unlike last year's soggy summer, this year's forecast has officials saying this could be a dry summer for Central Texas. For more on what a drought could mean for the region, water restrictions that may go into effect, and what you can do to save water this summer, click here.

Belterra

July 1, 2008

Hays County says no to discharge permit settlement

Hays County has taken a stand for Hill Country quality of life.  The chose not to "settle" for a direct discharge permit into Bear Creek which feeds the Edwards.  There are plenty of ways to develop the Hill Country that do not involve sending treated effluent into our aquifers.  Read the Statesman article here.  See "Issues" and "Belterra" for more. 

June 26, 2008

Belterra subdivision wastewater plan nearing approval

"A Hays County subdivision appears poised to get the authority to discharge treated sewage directly into a stream in the Barton Springs part of the Edwards Aquifer — a first — after some of the plan's main opponents signed an agreement giving it the go-ahead," writes Asher Price for the Austin American-Statesman Thursday. 
Read the full story here.

June 19, 2008

Don't Spray it in the Hill Country

"A growing number of Hill Country subdivisions, which disperse hundreds of thousands of gallons of treated effluent through a surface spray system, threaten to destroy the region's environment, critics say, because the landscape can only take so much poop."  Read the Austin Chronicle Article here.

City of Austin

June 30, 2008

Austinites making yards certified wildlife habitats

"The City of Austin is teaming up with the National Wildlife Federation to challenge neighborhoods and residents to certify their yards as a wildlife habitat, with a final goal of certifying the entire city," writes Rose L. Thayer for West Austin News. "Neighborhoods can compete for the highest number of yard certifications and the winner is eligible for recognition and prizes."
Read the full story here. 

City of Beorne

June 30, 2008

Golf course faces fine for well water violations

"Push is coming to shove in a groundwater district's battle to get a golf resort here to comply with rules limiting use of well water to irrigate greens and fairways," writes Zeke MacCormack for the San Antonio Express-News. "The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District notified Tapatio Springs Golf Resort on June 10 that it faces a $10,000 fine for repeated violations ... A hearing before the Cow Creek board is set for July 14."
Read the full story here.

City of San Antonio

July 1, 2008

The 'Hill Country Militia' out to protect Central Texan water

"A series of long-simmering insults, coupled with rapacious growth on the fringes of Bexar County, is driving many rural residents to radicalize in ways they could not have predicted," writes Greg Harman for the Austin Chronicle. "The mobilization of what might best be called the "Hill Country Militia" is an event with water at its heart."
Read the full story here.

June 27, 2008

SAWS to begin drawing from water reserves

"This morning, [San Antonio Water System] is reversing the pumps and sending the water from the reserve into its water system pipelines to ease stress on the Edwards Aquifer, which is below normal levels due to drought," reported the San Antonio Express-News Friday. "Since the Edwards Aquifer Authority implemented water restrictions Monday, SAWS must reduce its use of Edwards Aquifer water by 20 percent."
Read the full story here.

Conservation and Land Stewardship

June 23, 2008

The True Value of Open Spaces

"Today, the public, via the market, values open space based on a variety of criteria, including: location, comparables, access, condition, terms, production potential, investment potential, and development potential," writes HCA advisory board David K. Langford in a guest editorial. "As a society, we only value land to sell and to break up. We don’t value land to keep."
Read his full article after the jump or view it as a PDF here.
Click here for more

County - Bexar

July 1, 2008

The 'Hill Country Militia' out to protect Central Texan water

"A series of long-simmering insults, coupled with rapacious growth on the fringes of Bexar County, is driving many rural residents to radicalize in ways they could not have predicted," writes Greg Harman for the Austin Chronicle. "The mobilization of what might best be called the "Hill Country Militia" is an event with water at its heart."
Read the full story here.

June 4, 2008

Family Day at Government Canyon Saturday, June 7th

Come celebrate Mother Earth and the great outdoors with your family!  Family Day is geared towards introducing school age children to the natural wonders and stewardship of our environment.  There will be plenty of kid-friendly programming and booths set up for families to learn more about ways to get out, protect, and enjoy the great outdoors. 
Click here for more

County - Blanco

June 27, 2008

Water News for Blanco County and Beyond

From Preserve Our Water...All of the latest news related to groundwater, drought conditions and groundwater management districts in Blanco and the Texas Hill Country
Click here for more

County - Comal

June 30, 2008

Why we need more groundwater conservation districts

"According to TxDOT, 1,000 new residents move into Texas daily causing stresses in water demand for urban areas," writes Mary Regenbrecht in column for the Victoria Advocate. "The outlook is gloomy unless they guarantee outside water sources."
Two areas of the Hill Country still fall outside of other groundwater districts: Western Travis County and Comal Country.
Read more about conservation districts in the full column here.

County - Hays

July 1, 2008

Hays County says no to discharge permit settlement

Hays County has taken a stand for Hill Country quality of life.  The chose not to "settle" for a direct discharge permit into Bear Creek which feeds the Edwards.  There are plenty of ways to develop the Hill Country that do not involve sending treated effluent into our aquifers.  Read the Statesman article here.  See "Issues" and "Belterra" for more. 

June 26, 2008

Belterra subdivision wastewater plan nearing approval

"A Hays County subdivision appears poised to get the authority to discharge treated sewage directly into a stream in the Barton Springs part of the Edwards Aquifer — a first — after some of the plan's main opponents signed an agreement giving it the go-ahead," writes Asher Price for the Austin American-Statesman Thursday. 
Read the full story here.

June 23, 2008

Alarm Stage Drought

At the June 23 Board meeting, the Board of Directors of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District declared an Alarm Stage Drought for the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer,effective immediately. The drought area includes much of southern Travis and northern Hays Counties.
Click here for more

June 19, 2008

Don't Spray it in the Hill Country

"A growing number of Hill Country subdivisions, which disperse hundreds of thousands of gallons of treated effluent through a surface spray system, threaten to destroy the region's environment, critics say, because the landscape can only take so much poop."  Read the Austin Chronicle Article here.

June 17, 2008

Public meeting on aquifer management Tuesday June 24th in Buda

Groundwater Management Area 10 will host a public meeting in Buda Tuesday to discuss aquifer management. Click here to view the meeting flyer.

County - Kendall

June 30, 2008

Golf course faces fine for well water violations

"Push is coming to shove in a groundwater district's battle to get a golf resort here to comply with rules limiting use of well water to irrigate greens and fairways," writes Zeke MacCormack for the San Antonio Express-News. "The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District notified Tapatio Springs Golf Resort on June 10 that it faces a $10,000 fine for repeated violations ... A hearing before the Cow Creek board is set for July 14."
Read the full story here.

June 18, 2008

Hill Country Photographers - Cibolo Contest

The HCA photo contest wrapped up last month; Winners will be announced shortly.  The Cibolo Nature Center photo contest will be accepting entries through July 25th  Click here for details

County - Travis

June 30, 2008

Why we need more groundwater conservation districts

"According to TxDOT, 1,000 new residents move into Texas daily causing stresses in water demand for urban areas," writes Mary Regenbrecht in column for the Victoria Advocate. "The outlook is gloomy unless they guarantee outside water sources."
Two areas of the Hill Country still fall outside of other groundwater districts: Western Travis County and Comal Country.
Read more about conservation districts in the full column here.

June 26, 2008

Should Travis County have more tools to manage growth?

You must take this survey before July 1! Travis County has initiated a survey to gage public opinion regarding land use and planning.  Because much of the new growth in the county is occurring in the unincorporated areas, issues such as highway safety, water quality, incompatible land use, billboards, and property values have raised the public's attention to the fact that the county has little authority to manage growth in the best interest of its citizens.  Take a few minutes to participate in this brief survey - make your opinion count! 

June 23, 2008

Alarm Stage Drought

At the June 23 Board meeting, the Board of Directors of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District declared an Alarm Stage Drought for the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer,effective immediately. The drought area includes much of southern Travis and northern Hays Counties.
Click here for more

June 18, 2008

TxDOT meeting regarding Hwy 71, Thursday the 26th

TxDOT will conduct an open house along with a presentation for the proposed improvements to State Highway 71 in the Bee Creek area.  6:00 pm, Thursday June 26th at Bee Cave Elementary.  For more information see www.cc71.org

June 17, 2008

Public meeting on aquifer management Tuesday June 24th in Buda

Groundwater Management Area 10 will host a public meeting in Buda Tuesday to discuss aquifer management. Click here to view the meeting flyer.

June 10, 2008

Builders mistakenly cut down native trees

Oak Hill residents are outraged over the accidental chopping down of many healthy trees at the construction site of the Bee Caves Apartments near Old Bee Caves Road and Highway 71. The Oak Hill Tree Disaster Committee is working to prevent further destruction of trees. For more on this story and the committee, read the Oak Hill Gazette's article "Outrage over 'Oakhill Tree Disaster.'"

June 4, 2008

A new billboard can be avoided if deed restrictions are enforced.

Along Hwy 71 in Western Travis County another billboard is the works.  However the site is restricted from commercial use which should prohibit the placement of a billboard.  Unless Travis County steps in to enforce these deed restrictions, the billboard will go up regardless of the negative effect it will have on the community and the neighborhood's property value. Take action today.
Click here for more

County Power

June 30, 2008

Why we need more groundwater conservation districts

"According to TxDOT, 1,000 new residents move into Texas daily causing stresses in water demand for urban areas," writes Mary Regenbrecht in column for the Victoria Advocate. "The outlook is gloomy unless they guarantee outside water sources."
Two areas of the Hill Country still fall outside of other groundwater districts: Western Travis County and Comal Country.
Read more about conservation districts in the full column here.

June 26, 2008

Should Travis County have more tools to manage growth?

You must take this survey before July 1! Travis County has initiated a survey to gage public opinion regarding land use and planning.  Because much of the new growth in the county is occurring in the unincorporated areas, issues such as highway safety, water quality, incompatible land use, billboards, and property values have raised the public's attention to the fact that the county has little authority to manage growth in the best interest of its citizens.  Take a few minutes to participate in this brief survey - make your opinion count! 

June 10, 2008

A drought for developers, too?

Like the Texas Hill Country, California is facing one of the worst draughts in the past 20 years, and the water shortage is prompting California lawmakers to look more closely at developers. Under a new state law, all new projects must show that they have at least a 20-year water supply before they can begin building. For more information on California's decision, read The New York Times article, "Water-Starved California Slows Development."

Environmental/Scientific/Educational Resources

June 30, 2008

Austinites making yards certified wildlife habitats

"The City of Austin is teaming up with the National Wildlife Federation to challenge neighborhoods and residents to certify their yards as a wildlife habitat, with a final goal of certifying the entire city," writes Rose L. Thayer for West Austin News. "Neighborhoods can compete for the highest number of yard certifications and the winner is eligible for recognition and prizes."
Read the full story here. 

June 10, 2008

More green for your buck: Living sustainably (and cheaply) this summer

For those looking to live sustainably in the Texas Hill Country, taking a look at Dale and Pat Bulla's home could offer some helpful tips. Last June, the Bullas spent $11.47 on electricity and $6.66 on water. To learn how you, too, can save money and the environment this summer, read the Austin American-Statesman article "Master Energy Savers" on how the Bullas made their Northwest Austin home an energy-efficient place to live.

Fix 290

June 10, 2008

Builders mistakenly cut down native trees

Oak Hill residents are outraged over the accidental chopping down of many healthy trees at the construction site of the Bee Caves Apartments near Old Bee Caves Road and Highway 71. The Oak Hill Tree Disaster Committee is working to prevent further destruction of trees. For more on this story and the committee, read the Oak Hill Gazette's article "Outrage over 'Oakhill Tree Disaster.'"

Green Building

July 1, 2008

Building green on Lake Travis

"At every turn, Sharon Seligman seeks to meld the community with what is natural, and obvious," writes Charles McClure for Lake and Country Living. "It’s a notion that is increasingly catching on with builders in the Lake Travis area.Those who purchase lots at Colonia Serendipity can hire their own builder, but must adhere to some general basic precepts laid out in the subdivision rules."
Read the full story in its original magazine format here or as a Microsoft Word document here.

Groundwater Districts

July 1, 2008

Hays County says no to discharge permit settlement

Hays County has taken a stand for Hill Country quality of life.  The chose not to "settle" for a direct discharge permit into Bear Creek which feeds the Edwards.  There are plenty of ways to develop the Hill Country that do not involve sending treated effluent into our aquifers.  Read the Statesman article here.  See "Issues" and "Belterra" for more. 

June 30, 2008

Why we need more groundwater conservation districts

"According to TxDOT, 1,000 new residents move into Texas daily causing stresses in water demand for urban areas," writes Mary Regenbrecht in column for the Victoria Advocate. "The outlook is gloomy unless they guarantee outside water sources."
Two areas of the Hill Country still fall outside of other groundwater districts: Western Travis County and Comal Country.
Read more about conservation districts in the full column here.

June 30, 2008

Golf course faces fine for well water violations

"Push is coming to shove in a groundwater district's battle to get a golf resort here to comply with rules limiting use of well water to irrigate greens and fairways," writes Zeke MacCormack for the San Antonio Express-News. "The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District notified Tapatio Springs Golf Resort on June 10 that it faces a $10,000 fine for repeated violations ... A hearing before the Cow Creek board is set for July 14."
Read the full story here.

June 27, 2008

Water News for Blanco County and Beyond

From Preserve Our Water...All of the latest news related to groundwater, drought conditions and groundwater management districts in Blanco and the Texas Hill Country
Click here for more

June 26, 2008

Belterra subdivision wastewater plan nearing approval

"A Hays County subdivision appears poised to get the authority to discharge treated sewage directly into a stream in the Barton Springs part of the Edwards Aquifer — a first — after some of the plan's main opponents signed an agreement giving it the go-ahead," writes Asher Price for the Austin American-Statesman Thursday. 
Read the full story here.

June 23, 2008

Alarm Stage Drought

At the June 23 Board meeting, the Board of Directors of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District declared an Alarm Stage Drought for the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer,effective immediately. The drought area includes much of southern Travis and northern Hays Counties.
Click here for more

Large Landowner

June 23, 2008

The True Value of Open Spaces

"Today, the public, via the market, values open space based on a variety of criteria, including: location, comparables, access, condition, terms, production potential, investment potential, and development potential," writes HCA advisory board David K. Langford in a guest editorial. "As a society, we only value land to sell and to break up. We don’t value land to keep."
Read his full article after the jump or view it as a PDF here.
Click here for more

open space

July 1, 2008

Building green on Lake Travis

"At every turn, Sharon Seligman seeks to meld the community with what is natural, and obvious," writes Charles McClure for Lake and Country Living. "It’s a notion that is increasingly catching on with builders in the Lake Travis area.Those who purchase lots at Colonia Serendipity can hire their own builder, but must adhere to some general basic precepts laid out in the subdivision rules."
Read the full story in its original magazine format here or as a Microsoft Word document here.

June 23, 2008

The True Value of Open Spaces

"Today, the public, via the market, values open space based on a variety of criteria, including: location, comparables, access, condition, terms, production potential, investment potential, and development potential," writes HCA advisory board David K. Langford in a guest editorial. "As a society, we only value land to sell and to break up. We don’t value land to keep."
Read his full article after the jump or view it as a PDF here.
Click here for more

June 4, 2008

Family Day at Government Canyon Saturday, June 7th

Come celebrate Mother Earth and the great outdoors with your family!  Family Day is geared towards introducing school age children to the natural wonders and stewardship of our environment.  There will be plenty of kid-friendly programming and booths set up for families to learn more about ways to get out, protect, and enjoy the great outdoors. 
Click here for more

PEC

June 16, 2008

U.S. Congress will question Texan co-op

After surfacing over the past year, the scandal at the Pedernales Electrical Cooperative is headed to the federal level. The U.S. House of Representatives' Oversight and Government Reform Committee will question the co-op at a June 26 hearing in Washington, D.C. To read the Austin American-Statesman's full story on the co-op, click here.

Plan - Reg WQPP

June 18, 2008

HCA water quality workshop was a huge success

Over 40 people attended the Regional Water Quality Protection Plan workshop hosted by HCA on June 4th.  Most attendees were either elected officials or staff who worked in offices with some regulatory responsibility for water quality.  Keep the RWQPP alive!
Click here for more

Press Release

June 23, 2008

Edwards Aquifer Authority declares Stage I critical levels

Much of the Edwards Aquifer region is now under mandatory groundwater restrictions after the Edwards Aquifer Authority today declared commencement of Stage I of its critical period management plan.
Read the full report from the Edwards Aquifer Authority after the jump, and read the Austin American-Statesman brief here.
Click here for more

Property Rights/Takings

July 1, 2008

The 'Hill Country Militia' out to protect Central Texan water

"A series of long-simmering insults, coupled with rapacious growth on the fringes of Bexar County, is driving many rural residents to radicalize in ways they could not have predicted," writes Greg Harman for the Austin Chronicle. "The mobilization of what might best be called the "Hill Country Militia" is an event with water at its heart."
Read the full story here.

Scenic Roads - Billboards

June 4, 2008

A new billboard can be avoided if deed restrictions are enforced.

Along Hwy 71 in Western Travis County another billboard is the works.  However the site is restricted from commercial use which should prohibit the placement of a billboard.  Unless Travis County steps in to enforce these deed restrictions, the billboard will go up regardless of the negative effect it will have on the community and the neighborhood's property value. Take action today.
Click here for more

TCEQ

June 24, 2008

TCEQ takes new water conservation measures in Hill Country

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reported today that the reduced flow of Texan rivers is having "a significant impact on the Hill Country and South Texas areas." Because of this, TCEQ has suspended all temporary-use rights to state surface water in the Hill Country until further notice. Read TCEQ's full report after the jump.
Click here for more

Wastewater

July 1, 2008

Hays County says no to discharge permit settlement

Hays County has taken a stand for Hill Country quality of life.  The chose not to "settle" for a direct discharge permit into Bear Creek which feeds the Edwards.  There are plenty of ways to develop the Hill Country that do not involve sending treated effluent into our aquifers.  Read the Statesman article here.  See "Issues" and "Belterra" for more. 

June 26, 2008

Belterra subdivision wastewater plan nearing approval

"A Hays County subdivision appears poised to get the authority to discharge treated sewage directly into a stream in the Barton Springs part of the Edwards Aquifer — a first — after some of the plan's main opponents signed an agreement giving it the go-ahead," writes Asher Price for the Austin American-Statesman Thursday. 
Read the full story here.

June 19, 2008

Don't Spray it in the Hill Country

"A growing number of Hill Country subdivisions, which disperse hundreds of thousands of gallons of treated effluent through a surface spray system, threaten to destroy the region's environment, critics say, because the landscape can only take so much poop."  Read the Austin Chronicle Article here.

Water Quality

July 1, 2008

Hays County says no to discharge permit settlement

Hays County has taken a stand for Hill Country quality of life.  The chose not to "settle" for a direct discharge permit into Bear Creek which feeds the Edwards.  There are plenty of ways to develop the Hill Country that do not involve sending treated effluent into our aquifers.  Read the Statesman article here.  See "Issues" and "Belterra" for more. 

June 19, 2008

Don't Spray it in the Hill Country

"A growing number of Hill Country subdivisions, which disperse hundreds of thousands of gallons of treated effluent through a surface spray system, threaten to destroy the region's environment, critics say, because the landscape can only take so much poop."  Read the Austin Chronicle Article here.

Water Resource Planning

July 1, 2008

The 'Hill Country Militia' out to protect Central Texan water

"A series of long-simmering insults, coupled with rapacious growth on the fringes of Bexar County, is driving many rural residents to radicalize in ways they could not have predicted," writes Greg Harman for the Austin Chronicle. "The mobilization of what might best be called the "Hill Country Militia" is an event with water at its heart."
Read the full story here.

June 30, 2008

Why we need more groundwater conservation districts

"According to TxDOT, 1,000 new residents move into Texas daily causing stresses in water demand for urban areas," writes Mary Regenbrecht in column for the Victoria Advocate. "The outlook is gloomy unless they guarantee outside water sources."
Two areas of the Hill Country still fall outside of other groundwater districts: Western Travis County and Comal Country.
Read more about conservation districts in the full column here.

June 27, 2008

SAWS to begin drawing from water reserves

"This morning, [San Antonio Water System] is reversing the pumps and sending the water from the reserve into its water system pipelines to ease stress on the Edwards Aquifer, which is below normal levels due to drought," reported the San Antonio Express-News Friday. "Since the Edwards Aquifer Authority implemented water restrictions Monday, SAWS must reduce its use of Edwards Aquifer water by 20 percent."
Read the full story here.

June 24, 2008

TCEQ takes new water conservation measures in Hill Country

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reported today that the reduced flow of Texan rivers is having "a significant impact on the Hill Country and South Texas areas." Because of this, TCEQ has suspended all temporary-use rights to state surface water in the Hill Country until further notice. Read TCEQ's full report after the jump.
Click here for more

June 23, 2008

Edwards Aquifer Authority declares Stage I critical levels

Much of the Edwards Aquifer region is now under mandatory groundwater restrictions after the Edwards Aquifer Authority today declared commencement of Stage I of its critical period management plan.
Read the full report from the Edwards Aquifer Authority after the jump, and read the Austin American-Statesman brief here.
Click here for more

June 17, 2008

Public meeting on aquifer management Tuesday June 24th in Buda

Groundwater Management Area 10 will host a public meeting in Buda Tuesday to discuss aquifer management. Click here to view the meeting flyer.

June 11, 2008

Summer drought possible for the Hill Country

Unlike last year's soggy summer, this year's forecast has officials saying this could be a dry summer for Central Texas. For more on what a drought could mean for the region, water restrictions that may go into effect, and what you can do to save water this summer, click here.

June 10, 2008

A drought for developers, too?

Like the Texas Hill Country, California is facing one of the worst draughts in the past 20 years, and the water shortage is prompting California lawmakers to look more closely at developers. Under a new state law, all new projects must show that they have at least a 20-year water supply before they can begin building. For more information on California's decision, read The New York Times article, "Water-Starved California Slows Development."

Wildlife

June 30, 2008

Austinites making yards certified wildlife habitats

"The City of Austin is teaming up with the National Wildlife Federation to challenge neighborhoods and residents to certify their yards as a wildlife habitat, with a final goal of certifying the entire city," writes Rose L. Thayer for West Austin News. "Neighborhoods can compete for the highest number of yard certifications and the winner is eligible for recognition and prizes."
Read the full story here.