This year, Save Our Springs Alliance has been on a legal hot streak, taking on more lawsuits than ever before to protect what makes Central Texas special. From standing up for endangered salamanders and pristine preserves to challenging massive highway projects that threaten our water quality, we’ve been busy putting up a fight for the environment and our community.
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Citizen Voices RestoredSOS scored a major victory when a state district judge ruled that the Austin City Council's two-minute speaking limit for public comment violated the Texas Open Meetings Act. This decision reaffirms the importance of public participation in local governance, ensuring that community members have the right to fully engage in decision-making processes. It's a big win for transparency and accountability in Austin.
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2024 Barton Springs University - Our Best Year Yet!Over 1,000 high school students joined us for BSU Day 2024 in October, featuring hands-on activities, dynamic presenters, and increased accessibility for more students across the city. Support our educational programming and outreach for 2025 to continue empowering the next generation of water stewards in Central Texas! Additionally, our Summer Outreach efforts brought in hundreds of new members with our incredible intern program. Find out more HERE.
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Despite a postponed event due to the construction at Barton Springs, we saw record turnout at BSU Day this year. We brought in many new presenters such as local mushroom experts Central Texas Mycological Society and gardening guru Scott Blackburn. Student reported that it was their favorite day of school - outside, in the sun, and learning!
We plan to expand our range of subject matter experts even further in 2025 for BSU Day and our Eco-tour program. Please join us on these excursions through the Hill Country and see firsthand the biodiversity hotspots of Central Texas. Stay tuned for the first tours of 2025 to kick off this spring. |
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$354 Million Reclaimed for AustinSOS nullified a “tax kickback zone” on Lady Bird Lake’s south shore, saving Austin taxpayers $354 million and stopping a giveaway of lakefront parkland. Support SOS legal efforts to fight back against privatization of our public spaces.
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While we celebrate our legal victory, Lady Bird Lake remains at risk due to proposed zoning changes in the South Central Waterfront area. These changes threaten the ecological health and public access to this quintessentially Austin treasure. The proposed regulations allow for taller buildings, increased impervious cover, and reduced protections for the area, including the Waterfront Overlay.
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SOS Blocks Power Grab Charter AmendmentsSOS successfully stopped Mayor Kirk Watson and the Austin City Council from sneaking thirteen charter amendments onto the ballot without public input. These secretive measures threatened to erode transparency and accountability at City Hall, but we took swift legal action to protect Austin's democracy. Stay involved by signing up for our newsletter and join us in preserving open and accountable city government.
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Roy Creek Canyon photo courtesy of Lew Adams
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Defending Roy Creek: Progress in the Mirasol Springs Fight Mirasol Springs is a proposed sprawling development that would
jeopardize Hamilton Pool, Roy Creek, and other surrounding natural treasures. SOS made some amazing breakthroughs on this case this year. Our wins were partially due to the citizen turn out at public meetings, speaking up for environment and against Mirasol’s permits; it is a huge win for the SOS community that 46 people submitted comments on the wastewater permit. This past year we were victorious in securing the ability to participate in 3 contested case hearings challenging Mirasol’s permits. READ MORE
As of late this fall, the proposed development is also seeking to build a water pipeline that would cross Travis County conservation easements to serve the development. We are working diligently to oppose this new proposal to avoid a water pipeline that cuts across critical conservation lands and golden-cheeked warbler habitat, and we have already secured positive changes to the water pipeline proposal like limiting the size of the pipeline and conditioning use of the pipeline on Mirasol ceasing the pumpage of groundwater.
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Let's Gose Swimming collab beer photo courtesy of Peter Knight
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A Toast to ConservationSave Our Springs Alliance (SOS) was beyond proud to partner with Hold Out Brewing to bring conservation and craft beer together in a meaningful way. We made a Hill Country peach gose that was a hit and some proceeds went to us! This collaboration went beyond brewing—it’s was a celebration of community, sustainability, and the shared commitment to protecting the jewel of Austin, Barton Springs. We’re eager to explore future seasonal brews highlighting different aspects of our mission—whether it’s preserving wildlife, combating overdevelopment, or protecting the sacred springs of Central Texas.
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The fight to protect Austin’s natural spaces, waterways, and wildlife is ongoing—and we can’t do it without you. Save Our Springs Alliance is working tirelessly to defend what makes Central Texas special, from our diverse ecosystems and endangered species to the strained water resources that sustain us all. Our ongoing legal battles and advocacy efforts are a testament to what’s at stake and how much work remains to ensure these places are preserved for generations to come. Your support and engagement are critical in helping us push back and maintain our momentum on these projects.
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It's Baaaack, Mopac South Expansion ReturnsThe Mopac South expansion project (yes, the one we helped halt in 2015) is back and CTRMA is charging forward. The proposal includes up to 7 additional lanes and wastes million of dollars on yet another lengthy and damaging construction projection. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) is bypassing a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which could significantly impact the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Whirlpool Cave, and endangered species like the Austin Blind Salamander. Help us Keep Mopac Local and submit comments by December 29th to make your voice heard.
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Key concerns about the project:
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More Paving, More ProblemsIn Rethink35 v. TxDOT, we’re challenging the proposed I-35 mega-expansion, a project that would pollute the Colorado River, worsen air quality in East Austin neighborhoods, and further entrench car-dependent sprawl. In addition, this expansion reinforces the racial injustices of the past.
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Beyond Austin, we’re addressing a growing list of destructive roadway projects throughout the region. This includes proposed highway and roadway expansions in the Dripping Springs community, which would carve through sensitive Hill Country landscapes and fuel development in water-stressed areas.
Additionally, we’re working to stop roadways funded by the Hays County Road Bonds, such as the SH 45 extension, a project that would funnel thousands of cars through the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. These roadway expansions risk irreparable harm to our creeks, aquifers, and Barton Springs. By fighting these projects, Save Our Springs Alliance is standing up for the future of Central Texas’ waterways, wildlife, and communities. Together, we can demand smarter, more sustainable transportation solutions that protect our environment instead of destroying it. |
image from Austin's Water Forward Plan 2024
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Rising Costs, Dwindling Resources: Austin's Water PlansAustin Water (AW) secured approval for its updated Water Forward Plan (WFP), Water Conservation Plan (WCP), and Drought Contingency Plan (DCP). These plans are the key to shaping Austin’s water future and aim to address the city’s drought and population growth challenges. The approved plans propose costly supply and storage infrastructure projects while neglecting to prioritize robust water conservation efforts. These revenue-driven strategies will not only burden residents with rising bills but also introduce potential environmental concerns. To better understand the history of our water supply and why these plans matter, watch the first installment of our informative series:
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Pedernales river springs salamander image courtesy of Crystal Datri
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Fighting Against the Mirasol Water Grab Continued Donate to help protect Roy Creek Canyon, Hamilton Pool, and the Pedernales river.In our Mirasol Springs cases, we are fighting a proposed development on several fronts to protect Roy Creek Canyon, the Pedernales River, Travis County Parks, the Pedernales River springs salamander, and the Texas Fatmucket mussel. The proposed Mirasol Springs development has applied for two groundwater operating permits to withdraw water from the Trinity Aquifer, a permit to pull water from the Pedernales River, and a permit to dispose of treated sewage near Roy Creek, several springs, and the Pedernales River.
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This past year we teamed up with neighbors of the proposed development, Save the Pedernales, and a team of hydrogeology and engineering experts to stop these permits; we appreciate everyone who turned out this year at public meetings to speak up for conservation and the environment and against Mirasol’s permits. We will continue this next year to challenge the permits through the contested case hearing process. As of late this fall, the proposed development is also seeking to build a water pipeline that would cross Travis County conservation easements to serve the development. We are working diligently to oppose this new proposal to avoid a water pipeline that cuts across critical conservation lands and golden-cheeked warbler habitat.
Opposing the Mirasol Springs development is important for preserving iconic Hill Country landscapes, conserving the Trinity Aquifer and Pedernales river, and protecting endangered species. While many of the opportunities for direct public action in this case have passed, we ask that you continue to engage with our social media posts on this issue and donate to help us fund our science experts in the upcoming contested case hearings. |
Photo by Joe Recer. Brown property, including Little Barton
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Bee Cave and Barton Creek Under ThreatSave Our Springs Alliance is proud to stand at the forefront of efforts to protect Austin’s most vulnerable open spaces from harmful development. Two key legal cases--Citizens for Preservation of the Brown Property v. City of Bee Cave and Save Our Springs Alliance v. West Travis County Public Utility Agency—underscore the importance of preserving these critical natural areas for future generations.
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In the Brown Property case, we joined Bee Cave residents to challenge the City of Bee Cave’s attempt to turn land acquired for a nature preserve near Little Barton Creek into a roadway. This pristine creek, a vital tributary of Barton Creek, is home to sensitive ecosystems and is crucial in protecting water quality in the region.
Meanwhile, in the WTCPUA case, we are fighting against a proposed utility project that would cut through the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, threatening habitat essential to the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler. This unique songbird depends on the native woodlands of Central Texas, and its survival is directly tied to the preservation of these irreplaceable habitats. Both lawsuits are a stand against the misuse of protected lands and a defense of the water, wildlife, and natural beauty that define our region. By fighting these developments, we’re protecting Little Barton Creek, the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler, and the integrity of the open spaces that make Austin truly special. |
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No Way to Hays CommonsMilestone Community Builders has proposed a massive development project called Hays Commons, spanning 498 acres at the intersection of FM-1626 and SH-45 in Hays County. The plan includes 700 homes, 75,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 160-acre conservation area. Sounds like a nice balance, right? Not so fast. The project is located directly over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, a critical area that replenishes one of the most important water sources in Central Texas. This aquifer not only supplies drinking water to millions but also feeds Barton Springs, home to the endangered Austin Blind Salamander and Barton Springs Salamander.
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The Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone is highly sensitive to pollution. The proposed development, with its high density and increased impervious cover (think roads, rooftops, and parking lots), could lead to more stormwater runoff carrying pollutants into the aquifer. Milestone is even asking for an amendment to the Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance to allow 25% impervious cover, up from the current 15% limit. That’s a big leap—and a big risk. We need your help in submitting comments to the Austin Planning Commission. Please take a few minutes to do that now! |
photo courtesy of Bill Bunch
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Preserving the Historic Zilker Park BridgeThe City of Austin plans to use a $32 million federal grant to demolish and replace the nearly 100-year-old historic Barton Springs Road Bridge. SOS Alliance is seeking historic bridge restoration and rehabilitation experts to offer environmentally sustainable and financially responsible solutions that preserve the bridge’s structural integrity and honor this significant piece of Austin’s history. While there are no calls to action at this time, there will be future opportunities to help ensure this historic landmark continues to serve our community for generations to come.
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Austin City Hall. Image credit: M. Fitzsimmons, Wikimedia.
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Austin Free Press: Your Source for Truth, Solutions, and CommunityAustin has lacked a reliable news source for years, but not anymore! The newly launched Austin Free Press is now your independent newsroom, empowering Austinites with in-depth reporting, diverse perspectives, and meaningful dialogue. We shine a light on critical issues, amplify underrepresented voices, and explore solutions to build a stronger, more connected community. With a commitment to accountability journalism, they are here to inform and inspire action for a better Austin. Starting now—through December 31—NewsMatch will double your donation up to $1,000. And new recurring monthly donations will get a little extra love, matching 12x up to the same amount. Democracy needs Austin Free Press. AFP needs you.
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