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.
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
Water levels decreasing at Lake Travis as record-breaking heat continues
Texas continues to see triple-digit temperatures, and some experts say it’s contributing to dropping lake levels. According to the Lower Colorado River Authority, water levels at Lake Travis near Austin are at a four-year low. “The higher temperatures lead to higher...
SAWS to keep Stage 2 water restrictions in place despite EAA moving to Stage 3 pumping rules
San Antonio Water System said Monday it will keep Stage 2 watering conditions in place despite the Edwards Aquifer Authority declaring Stage 3 for pumping. The Edwards Aquifer is steadily dropping as drought conditions persist in South Texas and the San Antonio area....
Intense drought conditions could make this summer one of the hottest in Texas history
With the state experiencing its most severe early summer drought conditions in nearly a decade, Texans are facing a wave of especially hot and dry weather that may kick off one of the state’s hottest summers on record, says Texas A&M University climate expert John...
Opinion: Texas needs private investment to vastly enhance its water supplies
At a time when Texas continues it’s massive population growth, yet is experiencing declining water supplies and persistent drought, it is apparent that water remains the limiting factor to maintaining and growing our vibrant Texas economy. Over the decade from 2010 to...
Welcome to the River Recharge Natural Area
SMGA is happy to announce the addition of a seventh natural area to the San Marcos Greenbelt. Known for years simply as the Buie Tract, these roughly 94 acres have been renamed River Recharge Natural Area (RReNA), due to the many karst features on the property....
TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith announces retirement
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Executive Director Carter Smith announced today he will retire effective January 2023, ending a nearly 15-year tenure that strengthened private-lands stewardship, expanded state parks and wildlife management areas, bolstered...
Texas Water: Local group protests film studio development on aquifer
A new film studio coming to Central Texas is facing pushback amid locals concerned about the impact it could have on the water in the area. Earlier this month, the San Marcos City Council approved incentives “in the form of refunds of a percentage of real and personal...
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