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Monthly Archives: February 2015

Group Formed to Protect Trinity, Edwards Aquifers and Springs

The Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association (TESPA) today announced its formation as a Texas non-¬profit corporation created to protect these aquifers and their associated springs. In the process, TESPA seeks to bring clarity to the groundwater property rights associated with owning land over the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers and associated springs. TESPA was formed as a response to the attempt by a private company -- Electro Purification -¬- to develop and sell 5.1 million gallons per day of groundwater from…

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Springs: The Canary in a Coal Mine for Groundwater

"Over the past 15 years, I have studied more than 1,000 springs, closely examining the relationship between springs and the health of the aquifer. I have discovered that springs are of inestimable value to plants and wildlife in landscapes where they occur and have also learned that springs continue to be as important to populations today as they were thousands of years ago. We have also found that in many ways, springs are the canary in the coal mine for…

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Imagine the Future of the Hill Country

Hill Country Alliance Call for Photos Begins March 1 What is your vision of the Hill Country that future generations will inherit? The Hill Country Alliance (HCA) asks this question as it calls for photographs for its 2016 calendar. People here and elsewhere share a strong connection to the culture, ranchlands, natural beauty, charming towns and precious spring-fed streams of the Hill Country. Are we losing the very things we value so much? What do we treasure to keep? The…

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2015 Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Conference

The second Bennett Trust educational program will take place April 23-24, 2015 at the Inn of the Hills Resort and Conference Center, Kerrville. This first-of-its-kind conference, “Protecting the Legacy of the Edwards Plateau,” will bring the best and wisest, accomplished stewards, visionaries, and legacy-leavers together as educators. Details and Registration Agenda:  Day One 7:30 a.m. – Conference Opens – Registration 8:00 a.m. – History of the Edwards Plateau – Geology, Plants, Wildlife, and People – Donnie Frels, TPWD 9:00 a.m.…

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The Changing Science of Brush Control for Water Yield

While it was once widely assumed that heavy brush like cedar was keeping rainwater from recharging our streams and groundwater systems, science seems to indicate that it's not quite that simple. When done with care and an eye toward restoration, brush control can be beneficial to ecosystem health. Just be realistic about the likelihood that it will fill your stream or stock pond. Read more from Texas Wildlife Magazine.

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Pioneers Youth Leadership Students Receive $24,000 in Scholarships and Cash Awards

  Ten high school students in Pioneers Youth Leadership were awarded $24,000 in scholarships and cash awards last week at the Capital Farm Credit Rural Youth Entrepreneurship Competition at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Jessica Dong from Knippa (rainwater collection business) and Steeley Smith from Mason (local meat processing business) each received a $10,000 scholarship. “Participating in this competition has given me confidence that I can successfully start and run a business in my hometown,” said Steeley Smith.…

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TPWD profiles state’s least wanted water-hungry invasive species

A recent article in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine profiles some of the biggest problem species invading Texas lakes and waterways, and finds that the damage they are inflicting could cost Texans billions of dollars - and millions of gallons of water - each year. "It's a war, and you are involved." Read more from TPW Magazine.

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Get your birding on

Learn the Basics at the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm BOERNE, Texas – Birding is on the top 15 list of America’s favorite outdoor activities, and why not? It’s all about getting healthy outdoors, and it’s an inexpensive sport that spans the interests of older Baby Boomers to younger Millennials. Maybe it’s time to start calling long-time birders the new birdsters. The nonprofit Cibolo Nature Center & Farm in Boerne, which is open to the public, has become bird central…

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Environment Texas looks at the best and worst project in the State Water Plan

Environment Texas Research and Policy Center has launched a new website - www.OurTexasWater.org highlighting some of the best and worst projects in the State Water Plan. The website features an interactive map where Texans can find projects in their communities that get either a Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down for their impact to our rivers, aquifers and natural resources. The website currently gives a thumbs down to the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir in northeast Texas, pumping of the Carrizo Wilcox…

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Provide Water Supply Tools to Counties

Op-ed by Tom Hegemier With supplies depleted by drought, the population growing daily and few large water projects in our immediate future, new development must minimize their water demands to protect the lakes, aquifers, and rivers. The counties surrounding the rapidly growing major cities will play a huge role in how we wisely use or diminish our water supplies and in the end determine the State’s economic attractiveness to the nation. Many developers chose to build in county jurisdictions to…

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