April 2015 – Welcome to Hill Country Alliance

Kramer: Water grid proposal not right for Texas

April 30, 2015
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Legislature and Regulation, News, Water Planning

Critical vote Thursday, May 7th: Many Texans find satisfaction in being different from California. But a new legislative proposal would have Texas follow the deeply flawed California model of massive and costly pumping of water all over the state. This approach leads to crisis management when the “wet” areas of the state face an extended drought, and communities relying on imported water are left high and dry. House Bill 3298 by state Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) and Senate…

HCA learning opportunities about the SEP HCP

The Southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan (SEP HCP) has its share of controversy. HCA convened a successful meeting in Boerne in March to foster more understanding and as a result, a landowner gathering has been scheduled in Bandera on May 5th. Read more about the purpose and outcomes from the March program here. Join us in Bandera May 5th to participate with Hill Country landowner and a great line-up of speakers. See below for details. Bandera Meeting of the…

The steep costs of living so far apart from each other

April 30, 2015
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Economics of Sound Planning, News, Regional Planning

In strictly economic terms, sprawl is inefficient. Spread people out, and it takes them longer to drive where they need to go, and it costs them more in gas money to get there. Disperse a few people over a lot of land, and that land is used inefficiently, too. Then give those people roads and sewers — you’d need a lot more of both to serve 20 households living over a square mile than 20 on the same block. And…

A Habitat Conservation Plan for the Southern Edwards Plateau

Bexar County and the City of San Antonio are working on a regional planning effort to balance the conservation needs of rare plants and animals with the demand for economic growth and development. This program is known as the Southern Edwards Plateau, Habitat Conservation Plan (SEP HCP): http://www.sephcp.com/ A Habitat Conservation Plan for the Southern Edwards Plateau Opportunity or Liability By Milan J. Michalec, HCA Board Member Since the initial public comments were recorded during the scoping period in 2011,…

Lawmakers move to speed permits and limit protests

Hill Country landowners already have very little to say about industrial projects upstream. “The bill would scale back contested-case hearings, a process that allows the public to scrutinize and challenge industrial applications for environmental permits, such as those allowing wastewater discharges or air pollution emissions.” Sadly, this legislation passed since this posting... Texas is poised to widen its welcome mat to a wide range of industries. Claiming that the state's bureaucracy is shooing away businesses, House lawmakers on Thursday night…

TSCRA Cattlemen’s Column: Texas Water Shortage Spurs Legislative Concern

As expected, water issues are coming to the forefront as the 84th session of the Texas Legislature progresses. Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) leaders and staff have been tracking and weighing in on water related legislation to make sure landowners’ private property rights remain intact. Read more from TSCRA.

Conservation Easement to provide permanent protection for the Golden Cheeked Warbler

April 23, 2015
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Conservation Easements, News, Public Lands, Wildlife

April 23, 2015 Travis Audobon In a major step for conservation in Central Texas, Travis Audubon has entered into an agreement with Travis County that will ensure a permanent, protected home for the Golden-cheeked Warbler, an endangered songbird. Travis Audubon agreed to provide a permanent easement over most of its 715-acre Baker Sanctuary to the county and will manage the preserve in perpetuity. As a result, the undeveloped land will become part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Baker Sanctuary, located…

Wildlife Field Research at Cibolo Nature Center and Farm

April 23, 2015
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News, Wildlife

Wildlife Field Research (WFR) is a bioblitz conducted every spring and fall at the Cibolo Nature Center. During this research event, teams of Citizen Scientists combine their experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to conduct a survey of the nature center’s ecology. Amazing work going on at the Cibolo. Check it out.

Llano’s Dark Night Skies

April 22, 2015
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News, Night Skies

A Night Sky Resolution was passed in Llano April 6th! “The Llano City Council should be commended for adopting their resolution and taking this important step in promoting better lighting and preserving the Llano starry nights.” Ken Kattner, HCA Night Sky team member explains in his article published in theLlano County Journal.

Learn about the Southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan (SEP HCP)

April 22, 2015
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Linked Stories

Bandera Meeting of the Ranchers and Landowners Association Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 at 7:00 pm Mansfield Park Recreation Center in Bandera The Ranchers and Landowner Association of Texas are inviting their membership and all area landowners to a very special and informational meeting addressing the possible mitigation of endangered species habitat. Mitigation is a voluntary program by which landowners are compensated for conducting land management practices that benefit endangered species. The proposal, commonly known as SEP-HCP is being undertaken by…