WVWA and Local Landowners Win Favorable Ruling in Golf Course Suit

WVWA and the Landowners win favorable ruling from the Court in the case of Wimberley Valley Watershed Association, Johanna L. Smith, H.K. Acord, Janete Acord, James R. McMeans and David Glenn vs. Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, Defendant and Wimberley Springs Partners (WSP) Intervenor.
Plaintiffs filed suit seeking to require the District to grant us a contested case hearing on the application of WSP to pump 997 acre feet of water per year from five wells in the vicinity of Jacob’s Well for a golf course development.
Both the District and WSP filed Motions for Summary Judgment seeking to have our suit thrown out. The matter was heard by Senior District Judge Dwight E. Peschel on February 26, 2013. The Court has ruled in our favor denying the motions.
The Court further found that the HTGCD action in denying our requests for contested case hearing “…was arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion.” We anticipate that the case will proceed to a final judgment consistent with the above. There is no indication at this point as to whether or not the opposing parties will seek to further challenge or appeal the Court’s ruling. 

WVWA Welcomes New Board Members

  

The WVWA is excited to welcome Parc Smith, Marcus Gary and Jason Pinchback to the 2013 WVWA governing board. We are honored by the addition of these three dynamic young conservation leaders to guide the future development and direction of the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association.  WVWA is blessed by your service and dedication to make positive change in our communities.  

Thank you all for your commitment! 

Groundwater to the Gulf: Summer Institute for Central Texas Educators

What is Groundwater to the Gulf?

 Groundwater to the Gulf is a field-trip based institute for Central Texas teachers that emphasizes techniques for teaching water-based curricula to students in grades 4 through 8. Participants follow the path of water in Central Texas from its origins to its final destination in the Gulf of Mexico. Topics include: hydrology, groundwater, urban watersheds, water quality, water protection, and water conservation.

2013 Dates: Monday, June 17th starting at 1pm - Thursday, June 20th

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! http://www.keepaustinbeautiful.org/GroundwatertoGulf

View the 2013 flier for more information.

What to expect

Conserve & Protect Texas Water Resources!

The 83^rd Texas Legislature opened its regular session this month, and water is a high priority issue on the legislative agenda. But most of the focus thus far has been on establishing a new fund to finance water infrastructure projects.

Texas does have important water and wastewater infrastructure needs, but conserving and protecting existing water resources should also be a high priority for state legislators.

Contact your State Representative and State Senator and urge them to take action this session to conserve and protect Texas water resources and establish priorities for funding water projects and programs.

Family Day and Picnic @ Selah, Bamberger Ranch

Register online

Download the PDF

Restoration Rangers; Stewards of the Land & Water

As of January 1st the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association has passed on the day to day management of Jacob's Well Natural Area Preserve to  Hays County staff. The Restoration Rangers are still helping care for the preserve and working with the County on procedures and guidelines set forth in the conservation easement regulations. It has been exciting to see the vision of the WVWA's preservation take form in the county’s site master plan and great getting to know the county staff working at Jacobs Well.  

2013 Hill Country Photo Contest runs through May 31

Loving and learning about the Hill Country

Now in our 7th year, the HCA photo contest is a wonderful way to explore, learn and teach about the special qualities of the Texas Hill Country. We’re not only looking for photography that captures the spectacular beauty of this region, but also illustrations of the rare qualities worth protecting and stories that need to be told.

• Unique recharge features that are so important to our water supply, habitats for endangered birds, spring-fed creeks and streams, native plants, natural stream banks, and great examples of wise land stewardship practices.