White Nose Syndrome is a ‘looming disaster’ for bats in Texas

April 4, 2019
News

In the eastern United States, millions of bats have died over the past few years from a disease called white nose syndrome. Biologists across the country are racing to find a cure, or at least slow it down. So far there’s no evidence of white nose syndrome infecting bats in Texas, but the fungus that causes it is here. The question now is how much it’s spread. Cypress Creek is a clear stream that runs through Wimberley in central Texas.…

In suit filed by state, judge rules for newly incorporated city of Double Horn

April 4, 2019
Legislature and Regulation

BURNET — With a stern admonishment to the Texas attorney general’s office, state District Judge Evan Stubbs ruled Wednesday for the newly incorporated city of Double Horn in a lawsuit that challenged the validity of the city’s status. “Your motion for summary judgment, discovery and all of those things will ultimately cause these defendants a huge expense at the cost of taxpayer dollars,” Stubbs said to Ken Richardson, who was representing Paxton’s office. “So you’re asking me to authorize a…

Hill Country Alliance 2019 Photo Contest – “The Hill Country: Capturing the Color and Character of the Heart of Texas”

April 2, 2019
News

The Hill Country Alliance 2019 Photo Contest is under way! The Texas Hill Country is a unique region of pristine springs, sprawling landscapes, diverse wildlife, star-filled skies, multi-generational land stewards, historic towns, and hidden oases. With a rapidly growing population and increasing development coming into the region, many of these special qualities are at risk of being lost forever. For the 13th annual photography contest, HCA asks photographers to take out their cameras and focus on The Hill Country: Capturing the Color and…

Eminent domain works in Texas — for the takers [Opinion]

April 2, 2019
Legislature and Regulation

Corporate entities that use eminent domain authority to take property often claim the system is working. It does — but only for them. Corporations with this powerful, often abused tool do not have to respect the same rules of transparency that government agencies must observe. They are not required to have public meetings, and eminent domain actions in general do not mandate a good faith offer. At least 1,271 non-governmental entities have a power of eminent domain, but nobody tracks…

Travis Audubon announces 2019 Victor Emanuel Conservation Award Hero Chris Harte

April 2, 2019
Land Conservation and Stewardship

AUSTIN, Texas– Travis Audubon announces the selection of the 2019 Victor Emanuel Conservation Award Hero. Every year Travis Audubon honors an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to promoting environmental conservation, education, or advocacy. These heroes are recognized at our annual Conservation Award Luncheon, named after legendary birder and conservationist Victor Emanuel. The honorees are influential leaders who have inspired us to greater community involvement and environmental awareness through their work. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Travis…

Biedermann introduces two quarry bills

April 2, 2019
Legislature and Regulation

Two bills introduced to the Texas legislature earlier this month by Canyon Lake’s House Rep. Kyle Biedermann (R-73) could strengthen the state’s regulatory authority over mining operations like Vulcan Materials’ proposed rock quarry at Highway 46 and FM 3009. One of the bills might even halt development of the controversial 1500-acre open-pit limestone quarry in a high-density residential area of central Comal County, between Bulverde, Spring Branch, Garden Ridge, and New Braunfels. Larry Bailey, Biedermann’s policy analyst, led the effort…

Texas Parks & Wildlife halts planned Sandy Creek dredging operation

April 1, 2019
Land Conservation and Stewardship

Landowners Steve Nash and Fermin Ortiz agree on one thing. There is a sand and silt issue in Sandy Creek and Lake LBJ; however they disagree adamantly on what to do about it. “The problem is in the lake. Get it out of the lake,” said Ortiz, whose family owns thousands of acres adjacent to Sandy Creek upstream of Lake LBJ in Llano County. Nash, a developer also owns land about two-and-a-half miles upstream of the confluence of where the…