Greetings!

Environmental Stewardship's appeal of the adopted desired future conditions of Groundwater Management Area 12 (GMA-12) has been accepted by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).  GMA-12 manages groundwater in Central Texas (Bastrop, Brazos, Burleson, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Lee, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Navarro, Robertson, and Williamson counties). (Click here for Smithville Times article,  Click here for press release;  click here for Petition website)    

Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District's request for a 60 day extension was granted by the TWDB delaying a hearing until after October 11, 2011.  Though the extension is intended to provide an opportunity for the parties to consider a settlement, the Districts have indicated that they do not intend to negotiate, rather, they are "punting" to TWDB.   

CALL or WRITE the Texas Water Development Board and your groundwater district and let them know you support the Environmental Stewardship petition (see box on the left below)   

As reported in Truth #1, the adopted desired future conditions for the GMA-12  aquifers will cause the Colorado River to become a "losing" river by 2060.  This has implications for our trees and other terrestrial vegetation too. Click the archives button on the right below to review past issues and learn about "gaining" and "losing" rivers and streams. 

Environmental Stewardship contends that the desired future conditions adopted by GMA-12 on August 11, 2010 do not include available scientific study and reliable technologies and therefore fail to protect the Colorado and Brazos rivers, area springs and streams.  According to the Texas Water Development Board's model, there has been a dramatic decrease in outflows of water in Area 12 in the past that will continue into the future, and the  Area authority  has failed to make adjustments or to determine future trends.  In addition, water from Bastrop and nearby counties is being marketed to other areas without a careful analysis of water's present and future availability.    

MAKE A DONATION to help with our legal expenses from this effort to protect your groundwater (see box on the right below) 

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.  I ask that you TAKE THE ABOVE ACTIONS and make a tax deductible donation today, and - whether or not you do - please stay tuned for Truth #2.  

Steve Box

Executive Director

Environmental Stewardship