HCA is a passionate community caring for the unique features, spring-fed streams, heritage ranch lands, spectacular beauty and culture of the Texas Hill Country for the benefit of future generations.
Community Resilience
As our region reacts to ongoing challenges, the Hill Country Alliance is working to keep you connected.
Our Work
Land
The Texas Hill Country region covers over 11 million acres in 17 counties of mostly privately held land.
Water
Thirteen Texas rivers begin in the Hill Country and provide water for millions of downstream neighbors.
Night Sky
The Hill Country sits on the edge of night and as development pushes westward, we are losing our view of the night sky.
Community
90% of Hill Country lands are in unincorporated areas where there is little authority to plan for growth.
Collaboration
HCA serves as the backbone organization and fiscal sponsor of the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network.
Latest News
Ex-slave’s relatives battle to save farm
To Texas transportation officials, expanding U.S. 183 is a chance to alleviate congestion south of Austin. But to the Alexander family, it’s a threat to the land they’ve vowed for generations to protect. Daniel Alexander was enslaved when he secured a promise in 1847...
‘The Olympics of astronomy’: Travis County gears up for 2024 solar eclipse
Travis County officials are gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in 2024, as a total solar eclipse is expected to pass over the Central Texas region. A total solar eclipse will pass over the Hill Country region on April 8, 2024, from 1:32-1:41 p.m. The...
Dry riverbeds, dead fish, tapped-out wells: Drought takes toll in Hill Country
Kathleen Tobin Krueger stood on a low cliff last week, looking down on her family’s ranchland. Below her lay an expansive field laden with smooth white rocks, trees with exposed roots growing between them. There should be a full, flowing river here — there usually is...
National Park Service releases video series on Texas White House
On Sunday, August 21st, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park will launch Texas White House: Past, Present, and Future, a series of short educational videos on the history and importance of the Texas White House and LBJ Ranch. Videos will be released daily via...
Drought Stage 3 declared by Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District
With at least two months of a hot Texas summer left, the Blanco County water situation is becoming a serious concern. Water levels continue to decline in District Monitor Wells. Some well owners have had to lower pumps. Blanco County rainfall for 2022 is currently...
USDA investing $197 million in partner-driven, locally led conservation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is awarding $197 million for 41 locally led conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages partner resources to advance...
Commentary: Drought, growth and the future of the Hill Country
On Thursday, June 9, the North Llano River stopped flowing. On August 4, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed 80 percent of the Texas Hill Country in exceptional drought. The Pedernales, Guadalupe and Frio Rivers are dry, and many other Texas rivers are heading toward zero...
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ABOUT HCA
“The mission of the Hill Country Alliance is to bring together a diverse coalition of partners to preserve the open spaces, starry night skies, clean and abundant waters, and unique character of the Texas Hill Country.” Learn More About HCA
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TribFest Recap: Can Texas Plan Properly for Droughts and Floods to Come?
www.austinchronicle.com
Are we "thinking as preciously about water as we can"?
Texas population growth expected to put strain on water supply
www.kvue.com
A Texas Water Development Board plan shows the state population is supposed to increase more than 70% by 2070, which is expected to strain our water supply.
Great #tribfest22 panel—with @MaceatMeadows Suzanne Scott @nature_org and Jeff Walker @twdb—explored the new normal of Texas’ drought cycle. What is #txlege going to do about it? #txwater https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2022-09-25/tribfest-recap-can-texas-plan-properly-for-droughts-and-floods-to-come/
Texas will add more than 20 million people over the next 50 years. Where will they get their water? Conservation is key, and the state must play a role. #txlege #txwater https://www.kvue.com/article/money/economy/boomtown-2040/texas-population-growth-expected-to-put-strain-on-water-supply/269-e383253e-242f-4638-a346-7d26496255a0
Grateful for great speakers, awesome food, and excellent company at today’s #HillCountry Leadership Summit #HCASummit2022
yipping and yapping about #springs at @NewsHCA’s leadership summit! #txwater