News & Updates
Texas parks boosters approach lawmakers once again for more money
Two years ago, George Bristol, perhaps Texas’ chief booster for state parks, thought he had scored a coup when lawmakers passed a measure that appeared to ensure that nearly all the tax revenue raised through the sale of tennis rackets, soccer balls, kayaks and other...
Reimagined Alamo Plaza Design Ignores 1871 Deed by Enclosing Plaza
In 1871, the Catholic Bishop of the State of Texas, Claude Marie Dubuis, sold the galera, an Americanism for “shed” referring to the rectangular structure that included the Alamo barracks, south gate, and jail, to the City of San Antonio for $2,500. The deed included...
Could landowners switch groundwater districts?
As House Bill (HB) 4122 passed the Texas House of Representatives on third and final reading, State Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) said he is afraid the bill will “set a bad precedent” for groundwater protection in the future. Isaac said the controversial bill,...
TPWD launches new “Texas Rivers” Conservation License Plate
Texans can help the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department keep the state’s rivers healthy and flowing through their purchase of the new Texas Rivers conservation license plate, available now at www.ConservationPlate.org/Rivers. “The new plate design features a Texas...
Rainwater Revival Calls for Grant Applications from Hill Country Schools
For the seventh consecutive year, the Hill Country Alliance’s Rainwater Revival offers funds to help students learn about rainwater catchment and water conservation. As Texas Hill Country residents and businesses look for ways to conserve water, the Hill Country...
May 8 hearing to consider Amicus brief on eminent domain
Folks in Texas interested in the effects eminent domain might have on farms, ranches and private property in general may want to attend a hearing May 8 in Hondo, Texas, at the Medina County courthouse. The hearing will consider a request by Southwest Gulf Railroad to...
Dreamcatcher Ranch won’t be developed
Dreamcatcher Ranch, a key piece of the San Marcos River watershed upstream of Spring Lake, has been preserved in perpetuity with a conservation easement. The easement was completed this month by the San Marcos River Foundation (SMRF) and the landowners, Karen and Don...
Creek health demands action
A stream of problems with aquatic invasive species was the topic at the Hill Country University Center last Thursday during the final Texas Water Symposium of the 2016-2017 series. The free symposium — a partnership project of Schreiner University, Texas Tech...
Texas Lone Star Land Stewards Recipients Named, Hill Country Landowners Kim Bergman and Pam Mabry Bergman Honored
AUSTIN – They restore vital woods and waters, help bring back diverse wildlife ranging from rare species to popular game animals, share their knowledge with neighbors, and open their gates to youth groups and researchers. They are recipients of the 2017 Lone Star Land...