Explosive growth endangers unique wildlife, critical waters of San Marcos River

Explosive growth endangers unique wildlife, critical waters of San Marcos River

The San Marcos River touches hearts in the fastest-growing city of Texas’ fastest-growing county, and threats to it strike a nerve. Its champions warn that rapid development and the crush of new residents could herald a dark fate for the river’s endangered species and...
Water company’s moves anger buyers, landowners, local governments

Water company’s moves anger buyers, landowners, local governments

In 2018, Ronnie Urbanczyk signed a contract to purchase water from Texas Water Supply Co., a Boerne company with access to at least 40 water wells that tap into the drought-sensitive Trinity Aquifer just south of the Bexar County line. Three years later, Urbanczyk...
Hill Country communities can pursue Dark Sky designation following new state law

Hill Country communities can pursue Dark Sky designation following new state law

Across the more remote pockets of Hill Country, several communities are looking to attract tourism dollars and increase the quality of life for residents by utilizing a precious, shrinking natural resource—darkness—or rather, the absence of artificial light. With the...
Wild rice sues to stop oil pipeline

Wild rice sues to stop oil pipeline

In 2018, the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and the 1855 Treaty Authority, an organization that upholds treaty rights for Chippewa bands, enacted legal personhood for manoomin — wild rice. Manoomin, which translates to “good berry” in Ojibwe, is a sacred food for...
Deal to preserve Honey Creek moves forward with Texas Parks and Wildlife approval

Deal to preserve Honey Creek moves forward with Texas Parks and Wildlife approval

A land deal that could forever preserve a pristine Hill Country stream north of San Antonio moved forward with approval from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department commissioners. Commissioners on Thursday unanimously voted in favor of a land deal involving the...
Texas Parks and Wildlife votes preservation over development for Honey Creek Ranch

Texas Parks and Wildlife votes preservation over development for Honey Creek Ranch

The future of a Comal County freshwater creek is looking fresher today. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted Thursday to acquire and prevent development at Honey Creek, one of the most iconic streams in the Texas Hill Country. The commission, which has worked...