Environmental Stewardship Appeals Desired Future Conditions of Aquifers
Bastrop, Texas. On June 30, 2011, Environmental Stewardship submitted a petition to Groundwater Management Area 12 (GMA-12) appealing the desired future conditions for the aquifers within all areas of groundwater management in Area 12 – Central Texas (Bastrop, Brazos, Burleson, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Lee, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Navarro, Robertson, and Williamson counties).
In September, 2010, Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District installed remote monitoring equipment on wells located in the Simsboro Aquifer in Bastrop and Lee counties. As reported in the June 23, 2011, article
Drought dropping Simsboro aquifer, the Heart of Texas well in Lee County dropped 18 feet in two months. We are in full agreement with Lost Pines Groundwater District Manager Joe Cooper, who has sounded the alarm that the water level of the Simsboro Aquifer in Bastrop and Lee Counties will continue to decline as the drought continues and pumping increases.
Mr. Cooper cautioned that: "The Simsboro Aquifer is being looked at as the Mecca to supply water for all of south-central Texas. We don't think that's possible." We agree.By filing the petition, Environmental Stewardship has taken the first step. We have opened the door to greater local control and responsible management of our water resources, endorsing Lost Pines GCD's goal to sustainably manage our groundwater. We urge all who share our vision of Central Texas with its rivers, streams, trees, and wildlife to join us.
The issue is now; the solutions are now, but we need your help. We can only open the door; it is up to you, the citizens, to determine what kind of future you and your children will share. (click here for more information) The Smithville Times, August 18, 2011
Massive deal proposed to move water from counties
east of Austin to San Antonio
by Asher Price
Austin-American Statesman, September 30, 2010
(click for entire article)
The article describes the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority's plan to take 71,000 million gallons per day of groundwater from Bastrop, Lee and Burleson counties to the San Antonio area. In defiance of a warning letter from the Lower Colorado Regional Water Planning Group (Region K) and a letter from the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District stating that there was not adequate water available for the project, the Region L Water Planning Group insisted on listing the project in its 2011 Water Plan. By declaring the conflict between the two planning groups an "over-draft" of the aquifer, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved the Region L plan on December 16, 2010 and approved $2,500,000 of Water Infrastructure Funds to "study and design" what now is "The Trans-Texas Water Highway" or "State Water Pipeline" to enabled the $400 million project to move forward.
Environmental Stewardship is collaborating with other local entities to organize a grassroots resistance to this action. We believe it is important that water planning be done on a more regional basis and in a cooperative spirit if we are going to be able to provide solutions to our future water needs both locally and across the State. To that end we are working with Lost Pines Sierra Club and Independent Texans to organize a conference to educate the public on these issues and plan actions to bring sound planning to the region.
For more information on the GBRA Simsboro Project click here.
LCRA & US Fish & Wildlife Grants Received for Wetlands Project
Bastrop, TX. November 29, 2010 Pines & Prairies Land Trust (PPLT), Bastrop County Water Control and Improvement District No. 2 (BCWCID#2), and Environmental Stewardship have been awarded grants totaling $35,000 to install a water diversion and wetlands at the Colorado River Refuge and Lost Pines Nature Trails. Pines & Prairies Land Trust will administer the $25,000 LCRA grant. Environmental Stewardship will work with the Land Trust on implementation. Habitat restoration will follow the construction phase of the project. Click her for more information about the Wetlands Project.
Grant received to purchase water quality monitoring equipment
October 1, 2010 Bastrop, TX. Patagonia awarded Environmental Stewardship a $4,000 grant toward the purchase of water quality monitoring equipment that will enable its volunteer Colorado River Watch Network (CRWN) team to take flow measurements in streams and springs that provide water to the Colorado River. "We will use the grant to purchase a Son Tech Flow Tracker which will be used to quantify spring flows and document base flows to streams that receive water from the aquifers," said Steve Box, Executive Director. A volunteer team will be trained by Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) and the data from monitoring will be maintained in the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) CRWN data base. TPWD and LCRA, both resource partners on the project , wrote letters to Patagonia in support of the grant application. "We will be seeking the additional matching funds needed to purchase the equipment through a special fund raising effort," said Box.
Environmental Stewardship backs Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District
and Aqua Water Supply Corporation as Water Battle Lines Cross in Bastrop County
The Bastrop Advertiser, Bastrop, TX. August 28, 2010 The battle lines in the Central Texas water wars are being drawn – and they cross in Bastrop County. The lines are between the water marketers who want to take water out of Bastrop County to satisfy the needs of rapidly growing communities along the 130 corridor, local water suppliers who are struggling to reserve the groundwater resources needed for local use, and the environmental needs of the Colorado River and Matagorda Bay. On the front lines are End-Op and Aqua Water Supply Corporation. End-Op has the ear of the Region L Water Planning Group and plans to move 30,000 acre-feet/year of water from Bastrop County, and 26,000 acre-feet/year of water from Lee County to the San Marcos-New Braunfels area under private contract with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA). Aqua Water Supply Corporation, a nonprofit cooperative in Bastrop County, is attempting to reserve groundwater to meet the needs of water user groups in our rapidly growing region. You may recall that I wrote you at the opening of the water wars in September of 2008 when Aqua Water was denied four of seven water well permits by the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District. Both of the above groups are now vying for the same water.
Resolution to Protect Colorado River given to Groundwater District
Click Here for ACTION ALERT - Take Action by June 16
Bastrop, TX. May 19, 2010 Based on information on the impacts of groundwater pumping over the last 20 years and the estimated impacts of future pumping, Environmental Stewardship has requested that the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District implement a monitoring program to protect the Colorado River. It appears likely that the desired future conditions being submitted to the Texas Water Development Board by Groundwater Management Area 12 (which includes Lost Pines GCD) will likely result in irreversible changes in the river–aquifer relationship. Given the importance of these water resources to our region, we believe it is imperative that actions be taken to monitor for such changes and take corrective actions should they occur. In a
letter presented at the May 19 meeting of the Board of Directors, Environmental Stewardship presented a
resolution containing information on the history of the river-aquifer relationship and a plan that describes actions that can be taken to protect the groundwater–surface water relationship between the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer and the Colorado River.
Individuals or organizations that want to support the resolution are encouraged to contact the Lost Pines GCD
General Manager or adopt a
support resolution prior to the June 16, 2010 meeting of the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District board where they are expected to consider the resolution.
Environmental Stewardship Releases 2009 Annual Report
Environmental Stewardship was founded as a charitable nonprofit corporation in 2007 to provide a platform for environmental work in the lower Colorado River basin. Tax exempt status was received in 2008. Environmental Stewardship seeks to pursue its public advocacy work by helping to develop a vision of how both human and environmental needs can be realized while protecting and restoring our natural resources. Guardianship of the resources is an important function of our mission.
As a platform for environmental work, Environmental Stewardship seeks to empower concerned citizens and local nonprofit organizations to pursue their vision and guardianship work under the Environmental Stewardship umbrella where such assistance is needed. Using this model the Texas Paddling Trails, the Lost Pines Nature Trails, and NatureFest were created. The report provides information about the Public Policy, Science & Ecology, and Outreach & Education work of the organization and it's many volunteers over the past year (with financial review for 2007-09).
Click here to download PDF
3rd Annual NatureFest 2009
Was held October 24th - Fisherman's Park, Bastrop,TX
Andy Sansom and Myron Hess Appointed to Protect Rivers and Bays
State Capitol, Austin, TX. September 30, 2009 A huge step forward in protecting our Colorado River was taken this week when the Texas Environmental Flows Advisory Group appointed the members of the newly formed Colorado and Lavaca Rivers and Matagorda and Lavaca Bays Stakeholder Committee. The stakeholder committee will make recommendations on the amount of water needed to keep the rivers and bays healthy to the Texas Council on Environmental Quality. Andrew Sansom and Myron Hess were appointed to represent environmental interests on the stakeholder group. Sansom is a former Texas Parks and Wildlife Department executive and the current executive director of the River Systems Institute. Myron Hess is manager of water programs for the National Wildlife Federation in Texas.
Click here for more details.
Earth Day Dedication at Lost Pines Nature Trails
Wednesday April 22, 2009
The thirty acres along the Colorado River formerly known as the Old Tahitian Quarry has received a new name and a face-lift. Now known as the Lost Pines Nature Trails, the property is owned by the Bastrop County Water Control & Improvement District #2 and has become a restoration project for Environmental Stewardship. The water district has generously made this private property available for public access as a nature center and river access point. We are working with community partners to establish good stewardship practices at the site and to encourge respectful stewardship by those who visit. A grant from Congressman Lloyd Doggett will enable permanent restrooms to be installed at the site this fall or early 2010.
In celebration of Earth Day, April 22, the trails were formally dedicated honoring Dale Morrison, Master Trail Steward. Newly designated trails include Morrison River Trail, Morrison River Loop Trail, Dale's Trail, and Dale's Loop Trail.. Press Release. Driving directions to LPNT
Environmental Stewardship Finalist for Envision Central Texas Community Stewardship Award
Envision Central Texas 2009 Community Stewardship Awards were announced at a luncheon on Friday May 8 honoring the innovative people, projects and processes that are helping to preserve and enhance our region’s quality of life, natural resources and economic vitality. Environmental Stewardship was a finalist for the Raising Public Awareness Award. We were honored to have Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Andy Sansom, Executive Director of the River Systems Institute, join us at our table.
Board of Directors pictured left to right- Michael Wunderlin, Denise Rodgers, Steve Box, Melanie Phillips
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT BENEFITS LOST PINES
Eagle Scout Aidan Branch builds nature trails in Bastrop
BASTROP, TX - April, 2009 On Saturday September 6, Eagle Scout candidate Aidan Branch lead a crew of fellow scouts and volunteers to build a new trail at the Lost Pines Nature Trails site in Bastrop, Texas. To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America program, a scout is required to organize and lead a community project. Life Scout Branch with Troop 88 from Austin elected to build a trail in Bastrop. With guidance from his Scout Master Sam Brister and veteran trail builder Dale Morrison, Aidan wrote his project proposal which was accepted by his Eagle Committee, laid out the trail, determined the equipment needed, and organized volunteers to give him a hand building the trail. Aidan will be awarded the Eagle Scout badge at his awards banquet being held May 4, 2009 at the Memorial United Methodist Church 6100 Berkman Dr., Austin, TX 78723 . Click here for more information
Bastrop Springs designated "Significan
t Landmark"
BASTROP, TX - Bastrop City Council voted in September 2008 to designate the Bastrop Springs located at the foot of Pine Street as a Significant Landmark after the Bastrop Historic Landmark Commission submitted a request in order to protect the springs. A group of local and state stakeholders are working with the Bastrop Park Board to restore the springs to a more natural condition and provide interpretive signage to inform the public about the historic and ecological significance of the springs. Early traveler stopped to water at the springs as they traveled the El Camino Real Trail which passed through Bastrop crossing the Colorado River.
Photo along Riverwalk at stairs below City Hall parking lot (left) and pipe leading to river (right)