Our Work
Land
HCA’s Land Program seeks to increase private land stewardship and permanent land conservation across the Hill Country, and works with regional land trusts to educate owners about conservation easements, track conservation metrics, and consider conservation priorities.
Water
HCA’s Water Program assists grassroots groups that champion water stewardship in their communities, advocates for policies that protect groundwater and surface water, and promotes resilient water supplies through the advancement of One Water projects.
Night Sky
HCA’s Night Skies Program helps Hill Country counties and cities minimize the impacts of light pollution through education and outreach, the establishment of outdoor lighting policies, and the recognition and celebration of certified Dark Sky Places in our region.
Communities
HCA’s Communities Program builds connections across county lines, supporting rural leaders in protecting the unique character of their communities while promoting innovative approaches to building healthy, vibrant communities throughout the Texas Hill Country.
The Latest
Proposed groundwater transfer riles Kendall County residents
A miniature version of the Vista Ridge pipeline dispute is unfolding here over a local utility’s bid to convey groundwater to its customers from a new well proposed miles outside its service area. As with the San Antonio Water System’s plan to pipe in water 140 miles...
Eyes on the stars
With eyes on the stars – and on the city’s future prosperity – the Wimberley Dark Sky Committee has been launched to attain official International Dark Sky Community status for Wimberley. “This is an initiative to protect our night skies,” Cathy Moreman, Executive...
More officials stand against discharge permit
Roughly a week after the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) formally opposed Dripping Springs’ proposed discharge permit, the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) Thursday followed suit. By a 4-1 vote, the HTGCD made a...
The Hill Country Land Trust releases first video in Land Steward Video Series: Prickly Pear Management
Hill Country Land Trust is proud to share the first of a series of videos on land stewardship. Each video will focus on one stewardship practice. The first video features Steve Nelle discussing Prickly Pear management techniques. Take a look, then download the...
Goforth water, EP deal moves forward
A move by Goforth Special Utility District (SUD) approving a second amendment to its water supply agreement with Electro Purification, LLC (EP) means the water supply company has a year to prove the quantity and quality of its water to Goforth. EP has to deliver a...
Big Bend rancher sues pipeline company
The owner of an 11,000-acre ranch south of Marfa has filed suit in federal court, claiming the use of eminent domain by a private pipeline company to take part of his land is unconstitutional. Filed in Pecos, the lawsuit by lawyer John Boerschig of Katy against...