 The proposed 8-mile expansion of MoPac South is one of the greatest threats we've seen to Barton Springs, Barton Creek, and the Edwards Aquifer in recent years. Its years-long construction and expanded footprint will harm our air and water quality, the health of the students at Austin High School, and critical habitat for the endangered Barton Springs and Austin Blind Salamanders. Yet, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) has repeatedly denied public access to critical environmental and traffic modeling data that they are using to justify the highway expansion. That's why we're suing them. Last Friday, we filed suit against the CTRMA to force the release of this public information. CTRMA is claiming that they are not obligated to release this information under the so-called “deliberative process privilege,” a claim that directly contradicts Texas case law. This privilege applies only to internal policy discussions, not to factual and technical reports that form the basis of policy decisions. The CTRMA cannot selectively disclose information, while withholding the underlying information. “This is about accountability,” Bunch added. “The public has a right to know the basis for a massive, proposed toll road expansion located directly on top of multiple and highly vulnerable public trust resources. By state law and basic principles of good government, the CTRMA can’t pretend they want help from the public in evaluating the proposed project and potential alternatives but then keep secret almost all of the information they are relying on." Stay up to date and consider making a donation to support our efforts to fight the Mopac South expansion at KeepMopacLocal.org. You can read the full press release HERE and the KXAN article on the lawsuit HERE. The lawsuit in its entirety is also available HERE. Please take action below to ensure the MoPac South expansion is removed from the CAMPO 2050 Regional Plan!  TAKE ACTION: Environmentally-Focused Comments Needed for New Transportation Plan The next long-range transportation plan for the Austin region is being considered by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), a regional body that decides how federal and state dollars are spent on local transportation projects. There is an ongoing open house for the new 2050 Regional Transportation Plan which ends April 15, 2025. Submit comments now! We need your help speaking up for the environment. New and expanded roads have an enormous impact on our region’s air and water quality, yet the plan would expand regional road capacity by 26% with no plans for environmental mitigation. Here’s an interactive map of the new roads and expansions. The plan includes the horrible new expansions of Mopac South, RM 1826, and RM 620. These planned expansions are based on outdated data that don’t reflect the new “post-pandemic normal” of increased telecommuting and hybrid workplaces. The draft plan also includes new roads that will drive development over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and other environmentally sensitive areas. The proposed extension of RM 150 around Dripping Springs—a giant gift for developers. And, it includes the extensions of Yarrington Road west of Kyle and a new western loop around San Marcos that will fuel growth over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge and Contributing Zones. The Actions:
Where: 5330 Bluffstone Lane, Austin, TX 78759 *Must sign up to speak in advance. Contact Your Elected Officials. Send an email to your elected officials with your comments. The CAMPO Policy Transportation Board includes representatives from most of the local cities and counties. These include Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes and Council Members Laine, Siegel and Qadri; Travis County, Judge Andy Brown, Commissioners Howard and Travillion, and Amy Patillo; Hays County, Comm. Debbie Ingalsbe.  Help Protect Barton Creek Habitat Preserve from Polluted Wastewater An Austin developer is seeking a wastewater permit from TCEQ to serve a development that would include six high-rise condo buildings, a hotel, and a distillery next to Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, Central Texas’ largest nature preserve, important habitat for the golden-cheeked warbler, and vital safeguard for water quality in Barton Creek. The permit, if issued, would allow poorly treated sewage to be irrigated on a field that sits directly upslope from Barton Creek. Any runoff of pollutants would go directly into Barton Creek. Learn more about the permit by taking a look at the application materials and draft permit HERE. Join us in opposing this wastewater permit by making comments during the public meeting next Tuesday, April 8th at 7pm at the Hotel Viata, Juniper Ballroom, 320 S. Capital of Texas Highway West Lake Hills, TX 78746. You can also submit written comments before the end of the public meeting using the link below! Enter the permit number associated which is WQ0016547001  Join Us for Upcoming April Eco-toursWe’ve been having a blast in the woods and our newly flowing creeks, getting dirty and learning so much with new friends. Now, it's your turn to join us for two incredible eco-tours this April! Sunday, April 13th, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Hike & Swim the Barton Creek Wilderness Park with the Envirobabes! (Optional vanpool from SOS office at 8 AM) Join us for a guided hike and swim of the beautiful upper Barton Creek waterfalls, including the legendary Sculpture Falls (fingers crossed for rain!). Special guest Michelle Camp, Save Barton Creek Association Board Treasurer and sustainable water tech expert, will join us for an unforgettable day in nature. During the hike I will share a bit about how the Wilderness Park became included in the Greenbelt parkland (hint: it was the work of amazing conservationists just like you!) and the lore around the notorious Edwin Foster, mid century WWII inventor turned landowner who made many, uh...alterations...of the creek during his tenure! Sunday, April 27th, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Hike & Swim the Barton Creek Wilderness Park & Sculpture Falls! (Optional vanpool from SOS office at 8 AM) Join SOS field guides and special guests for a guided hike and optional swim/snorkel in the stunning waterfalls of Upper Barton Creek. Explore the rich history and ecology of the Greenbelt, and discover how Barton Creek plays a crucial role in recharging the Edwards Aquifer. Learn about the wildlife, plant life, and geology that make this area so unique, and get tips on how you can help keep Barton Creek and Barton Springs clean and healthy for future generations of Austinites. As we face unprecedented challenges—from the fight to stop the MoPac expansion to preventing wastewater in Barton Creek--your support is more crucial than ever. The best way to make an immediate impact is by becoming a sustaining, monthly donor. By backing SOS, you are supporting our legal efforts, environmental advocacy, and scientific research that keep Austin green, beautiful, and livable.
Together for Change, SOS Alliance  Barton Springs Flows Remain Critically Low - Even after the two-week closure intended for cleaning and maintenance, Barton Springs is experiencing an alarming accumulation of algae. With flow levels at just 17 cubic feet per second (cfs) — well below the historical average of 66 cfs — management has been unable to lower water levels. The endangered salamanders cannot withstand further reductions in water levels when flows are already so low. Without the ability to lower pool levels, management is unable to unclog the shallow end drain (which is clogged again) or perform essential silt removal and deep cleaning. Despite some rain over the past few weeks, the Texas Hill Country remains on the verge of Stage IV drought according to the latest update from BSEACD. Conditions are likely to become worse, with March forecasted to be hotter and drier than normal. Ways To Help - While we push for stronger policies on municipal conservation, water reuse, and sustainable development, individual action remains essential. Real change happens when concerned citizens and water stewards take charge, making smart choices in our homes, businesses, and communities.
Water is our most precious resource—how we use it today determines our future. Your support helps us push for stronger water protections, take legal action when necessary, and expand our efforts to educate more people about Barton Springs and our unique watersheds in Central Texas.  Celebrate World Water Day with SOS Celebrate World Water Day 2025 with Save Our Springs as we hike the beautiful waterfalls along the Barton Creek Greenbelt this Saturday, March 22nd! Join SOS field guides and special guest, Andrew Harrod of Save Barton Creek Association to learn more about the ecology and history of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Andrew Harrod grew up exploring Austin’s parks, which inspired him to study Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M. After 13+ years teaching science, he transitioned to a career in natural resources, working with Austin Wildland Conservation and the Texas Wildlife Association. Now, as VP of Programs for Save Barton Creek Association, Andrew is a passionate advocate for protecting our water resources and loves sharing his knowledge as a Capital Area Master Naturalist. Fun Fact from Andrew: Did you know that Barton Creek sits at the meeting point of three major ecoregions—the Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, and Edwards Plateau? This unique convergence means you'll see Hill Country plants like Ashe juniper and mountain laurel, but as you get closer to the Colorado River, a whole new world of flora emerges—oak trees, sycamores, and even palmettos!
Check out the remaining SOS Eco-tours for March! Don't miss your opportunity to see the incredible beauty of upper Barton Creek and learn about the creation of the Greenbelt from experts in the field of wildlife and conservation.
 Last week, we had an important victory in our ongoing lawsuit against the proposed expansion of I-35 in Central Austin, Rethink35 et al v. TxDOT. To strengthen our case, we enlisted the expertise of Krish Vijayaraghavan, a nationally recognized environmental expert with over 20 years of experience. His analysis confirmed something alarming: PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) pollution levels in the project area already exceed the EPA’s updated safety standard of 9.0 µg/m³, finalized just last year. This means the proposed expansion could worsen air quality, further endangering Austin residents—especially those in historically Black and Latino neighborhoods already facing high rates of respiratory illness.Although TxDOT’s attorneys tried to block Mr. Vijayaraghavan’s testimony, the court ruled in our favor, ensuring that his critical findings remain part of the case. This ruling is a win for transparency and accountability, and it gives us important momentum as we push for a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to fully assess the project’s potential harm to Austin’s communities. We’re now entering the final stages of this lawsuit, and the next few weeks will be pivotal. This effort has been fueled by the hard work and resources of our community, especially Rethink35 and our co-plaintiffs. But we can’t finish this fight without your help. If you believe in fighting for cleaner air and water, healthier neighborhoods, and a better future for Austin, please consider making a donation to help finish this lawsuit. Let’s push for a better future together.  Don’t let the rain over the past couple of weeks fool you. The Texas Hill County is still in a drought with flows from Barton Springs barely above the threshold for Stage IV drought. The Barton Springs discharge flow rate is a shocking 12 cubic feet per second according to the current USGS water data, with the average being 66 cfs. With March expected to be hotter and drier than normal, every drop counts. Please join us in continuing to conserve water as much as possible by following these simple tips. Our aquifers, springs, and endangered salamanders depend on your actions. Additionally, consider taking advantage of residential rebate programs that save water and money: Austin Water Rebates LCRA Service Area Rebates City of Kyle Rebates Stay informed by reading the latest drought update from BSEACD and make sure you're doing your part to conserve and protect our precious water.  SOS is Now on Bluesky and Meetup!We’re expanding our reach! Follow us on Bluesky (our handle is @ savoursprings.bsky.social) It's a great alternative to the Meta monopoly—where we’ll be posting updates, actions, and news more regularly. Join us on Meetup to stay up to date on eco-tours, snorkel adventures, and other upcoming events. Let’s connect, explore, and protect our springs together! Follow us on Bluesky here Join our Meetup group here  Explore Barton Creek with Us! We kicked off our first eco-tour of the season this past Saturday in honor of International Women’s Day, and it was an incredible experience! Huge thanks to Kirstin Boyd-Farmer of Westcave Preserve for leading the way. Don't miss our upcoming adventures: Saturday, March 22 – Hill of Life Trailhead: Upper falls Hike & Swim with Andrew Harrod of Save Barton Creek Association Sunday, March 30 – Lost Creek Greenbelt Trailhead to Upper Falls with Ed Crowell, SBCA board member and author of Barton Creek (2019) As we face unprecedented challenges, it’s clear that the fight for our future depends on each of us showing up with resolve, compassion, and unity. Stay tuned for updates on our lawsuits and how you can help. For now, your support allows us to continue our critical work.
Onwards, SOS Alliance  YOU DID IT! In 24 hours, we raised $15,510 -- the largest Amplify Austin Day total in our history, surpassing our previous record by over $5,000! We are beyond grateful. This record-breaking success would not have been possible without YOUR SUPPORT! Thank you for your generosity and for believing in our mission.  We want to give another big shoutout to the folks at I Live Here I Give Here for making this day of giving possible year after year. Also a every donation will be matched 50% by the Kirk Mitchell Environmental Law Fund! Together, with our incredible community of supporters like you, we are able to expand our team of lawyers & educators, as well as turn our Eco-tour "SalaVander" into a billboard for SOS on wheels, bringing in new members from across the region.
Your continued loyal support drives the fight to protect Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, and the Texas Hill Country for decades to come. In Gratitude, SOS Alliance  Amplify Austin kicks off TODAY at 6 PM (March 5th)—but you can donate anytime! This 24-hour giving event supports over 700 local nonprofits, and here’s why SOS should be at the top of your list: We’re on the frontlines defending Central Texas springs, rivers, and aquifers from overdevelopment and pollution. Your donation will be matched 50% by the generous contribution of the Kirk Mitchell Environmental Law Fund.  At Save Our Springs, our legal efforts set us apart. We are the only local environmental group with a dedicated team of lawyers focused on protecting water quality and defending public voices. Through litigation and advocacy, we’ve secured major victories for our environment and community for over 30 years. Last year alone, we achieved significant legal victories that strengthened protections for Central Texas' water, land, and direct democracy.
Support the SOS Legal Fights Ahead Combatting Mopac South Expansion
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) is reviving the Mopac South expansion project—seven additional lanes over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Whirlpool Cave, and habitat for endangered species like the Austin Blind Salamander. Worse yet, CTRMA is trying to bypass a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). It will take all hands on deck and an enormous wave of community support to fight this proposal. Challenging the I-35 Expansion In Rethink35 v. TxDOT, we are fighting the I-35 mega-expansion, a project that would pollute the Colorado River, worsen air quality in East Austin neighborhoods, reinforce racial injustices of past highway projects. We demand better, community-focused alternatives that don’t further entrench car dependency and sprawl. Stopping Hays Commons Milestone Community Builders has proposed Hays Commons, a 498-acre development with 700 homes and commercial space—right over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. This aquifer supplies drinking water to millions and feeds Barton Springs, home to endangered species. We’re gearing up to fight this reckless development and need your support! Your support fuels our legal battles. Whether we’re defending clean (and available) water or open government, we rely on your backing to succeed. Every dollar allows us to grow our team and hire the experts we need to win these critical cases! $25, $50, $500—every donation of any size helps us protect Barton Springs and keep Texas’ waters flowing clean and clear. Happy Amplify Austin Day! SOS Alliance  Protect Barton Springs: Say NO to Austin City Council Item 24 this Thursday, Feb. 27th The developer of the property at 5725 West US Highway 290 Eastbound (Site Plan #SPC-2023-0276C) is seeking a "redevelopment exception" to bypass the Save Our Springs (SOS) Initiative Ordinance, which applies to all development within the Barton Springs Zone. Under the requested exception, the developer would avoid building a full SOS-compliant water quality pond, which is essential for filtering stormwater runoff and protecting water quality. Instead, the developer proposes to use a less effective sand filtration pond and to make a small payment to the Barton Springs Zone mitigation fund—an amount far too small to meaningfully offset the environmental impact or acquire mitigation land. This request undermines the purpose of the SOS Ordinance, which was designed to limit urban runoff and overdevelopment in this ecologically vulnerable area. The developer is leveraging a recent zoning change (DB90 zoning), which allows for increased building height and density, to add an additional floor of units. Despite the additional flexibility to go higher, the developer has not reduced the overall development footprint. The extra floor will likely generate millions of dollars in long-term revenue for the developer. However, instead of using this financial windfall to enhance environmental protections, the developer is trying to get approval of a redevelopment exception to avoid environmental mitigation, such as meaningfully reducing impervious cover and implementing best-available water quality measures. The Save Our Springs Alliance is joining neighborhood leaders in opposing this exception and will be urging the Austin City Council to demand better. The Austin Environmental Commission reviewed this application and recommended that, among other things, the developer should reduce impervious cover to 40% and upgrade the water quality treatment to be fully SOS-compliance. These steps would ensure that the project better aligns with current environmental standards, while still allowing for redevelopment. The City Council has the authority to deny this redevelopment exception, and it should exercise that discretion to protect the Barton Springs Zone. At the very least, the developer should comply with the Environmental Commission’s recommendations to reduce impervious cover to 40% and upgrade the water quality treatment to meet SOS standards. Approving this exception as proposed would lock the property into non-compliance with the SOS Ordinance for the next 40 years—the typical lifespan of a multi-family development. By requiring improved water quality measures now, the City Council can ensure long-term protections for Barton Springs. Please join us in speaking out in OPPOSITION to Item 24 using the form below. Speakers must sign up before Wednesday, February 26th at noon.  Show SOS Some Love! Amplify Austin Early Giving is Underway Amplify Austin is Central Texas’ biggest day of giving, and early donations give us a head start in our efforts to raise visibility and support for all that we do throughout Central Texas. Right now, our water faces unprecedented threats. Drought, overdevelopment, and pressure on our longstanding policies are chipping away at the protections that keep Barton Springs flowing and the Edwards Aquifer clean and healthy for life. Your early gift helps us fight back—through legal action, advocacy, and hands-on education programs like Barton Springs University. The challenges ahead are bigger than ever, but so is our commitment. Donate early and stand with us in defense of the springs, the aquifer, and the future of our water.  Speak Up for Austin’s Future: Budget Conversations with City Manager T.C. Broadnax A city budget shows the values and priorities of Austin, while also shaping the future of our community. Over the next few weeks, our newly appointed City Manager T.C. Broadnax is hosting town hall meetings to hear from the public about prime concerns for Austin in the upcoming fiscal year. Austin’s rapid growth is putting increasing pressure on everything we love. Without dedicated funding, we risk losing the green spaces, clean water, and tree canopy that make this city livable. Here are some key issues that need public support:
What we choose to fund—or ignore—determines the kind of Austin we live in and leave for the next generation.  SOS is Hiring! Join Our Outreach Team Make a difference for Barton Springs and get paid to do it! Are you a regular swimmer at Barton Springs Pool? Do you enjoy talking to people about the environment? If this sounds like you, here are two opportunities to make a positive impact on our environment right now! SOS is currently searching for a part time Ecotour Associate and Trail Advocate for the spring and summer. Spring/Summer Trail Advocate - Responsibilities include in-person tabling shifts focused on engaging fellow Austinites in the Keep Mopac Local campaign. Experience with conservation advocacy, sales and/or environmental policy highly desired, but not required. $17-$25/hour, 8am-12pm Weekends. Pay commensurate with experience. Summer Ecotour Associate - Help support ecotours and snorkel tours at Barton Springs Pool! We are looking for fellow Barton Springs swimmers who are comfortable with public speaking and facilitating group activities.$20-$25/hour, 8am-12pm Saturday mornings. 5-10 hours a week. Read the full job requirements and desired skill on our website if you are interested. To apply, email [email protected] with the Job Title in the subject line, and please include a resume and why this position interests you!  Join SOS field guides and a special guest for a guided hike and optional swim/snorkel of the stunning waterfalls of Upper Barton Creek in celebration of International Women's Day.
International Women's Day (Saturday, March 8th) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. Let's gather for an immersive experience in the ecology and rich (feminist!) history of Barton Creek's ecological warriors, its enchanting waters and its famous Greenbelt. Gain a better understanding of the role Barton Creek plays in recharging the Edwards aquifer, witness an array of plant, wildlife and geologic features with the help of special guest experts along the way. Learn more about what you can do to help keep the waters of Barton Creek and Barton Springs clean and flowing for future generations of Austinites. WHEN - Saturday, March 8th at 8am-11:30am WHERE - Hill of Life, Meet at the new SOS HQ (3201 Menchaca Dr) at 8AM for free transportation in our SalaVander to trailhead. Self-drive guests, meet at trailhead (1710 Camp Craft road Austin Tx 78746) at 8:30am. SalaVander will be heading back to SOS HQ from trailhead at 11:30am. Purchase tickets HERE!  Tomorrow, Thursday, February 13th, the Austin City Council will consider a proposal (Item 42) to remove drainage review requirements for residential developments with up to 16 units as part of the "Site Plan Lite" and "Infill Plat" initiatives. Aimed at streamlining housing construction, the Austin Planning Commission has proposed code changes that would eliminate drainage requirements for residential sites 1.5 acres or smaller.
In a city already grappling with severe flooding issues (we’re literally "Flash Flood Alley), the Planning Commission’s recommendation is the opposite of climate resiliency. Increasing pavement while reducing drainage infrastructure is a dangerous combination that could lead to more lot-to-lot flooding, property damage, and environmental degradation in our creeks. By removing drainage oversight for these projects, the city risks amplifying stormwater runoff, leading to localized flooding, creek erosion, and downstream harm. In the item’s backup material, City of Austin staff wrote that the PC proposal would result in the weakest drainage protections in Texas and could "negatively impact surrounding residents by increasing instances of lot-to-lot flooding." Larger developments, particularly those exceeding one acre, may further strain already overburdened drainage systems in neighborhoods prone to flooding, placing residents at even greater risk. While affordable housing is an urgent priority, it should not come at the expense of community safety or environmental protections. Shifting the burden of flood prevention onto private residents instead of requiring developers to address these issues creates long-term risks, including costly property damage and legal battles. Austin must strike a balance between housing affordability and infrastructure resilience to ensure the safety and sustainability of its neighborhoods. Join us in urging the Austin City Council to reject the proposed changes, in their entirety. More focus and consideration should be given to communities experiencing localized flooding and how to protect future residents with maintaining the City’s drainage review and requirements. City Council Meeting: Thursday, February 13th Sign up to speak TODAY, February 12th by Noon.  This Thursday, January 30th, the Austin City Council will consider Agenda Items 4 and 25 relating to managing wildfire risk on City watershed and wildlife protection plans. While addressing wildfire risk is crucial for Austin, these items require further discussion and should be tabled for now. READ MORE FROM HART HAGAN ABOUT WHY THIS $7,500,000 in contracts doesn't actually suppress wildfires. Trees are not the enemy. They provide critical watershed services and habitat for our endangered songbirds. They sequester carbon. They facilitate water retention and aquifer recharge. In most situations, they resist wildfire much better than grasslands. While the “urban-wildlands interface” must be managed to protect people and structures, these proposals would undermine existing local research and could unintentionally harm our environment without reducing wildfire threats. Sign up here to speak, in person or remotely, at the Thursday Council meeting at 10:00 to urge the council to honor the science of local ecosystems and not succumb to a fear of trees as fuel. You must sign up by noon tomorrow, Wednesday, January 29th. Item 4: Redundant and Misguided Study The proposed U.S. Forest Service study (Item 4) duplicates research already conducted by Baylor University in 2009. The study would be carried out by forest managers with no local expertise, who have a history of over-cutting trees. Baylor’s study found that forests pose less wildfire risk than grasslands—contrary to the logging industry’s preference for clear-cutting and prescribed burns. Spending $198,467 to shop around for a different conclusion seems unnecessary when robust data already exists about what is best for our local environment. Item 25: Risk of Degrading Parklands Item 25 allocates $7.5 million for vegetation management, including prescribed burns and tree thinning. However, these methods often dry out soil, increase erosion, and encourage fast-burning grasses—creating hotter, drier landscapes that are more prone to fire. Recent prescribed burns in Austin resulted in significant carbon emissions without reducing wildfire risk. Rather than moving forward with these measures, the City should prioritize strategies that preserve tree canopies, improve soil health, enhance landscape hydration, and reduce human-caused ignitions through park patrols and fencing. A Balanced Approach to Wildfire Mitigation The fires in LA should not cause panic in Austin. Pausing these items would allow time to talk about how best to pursue wildfire management, instead of simply reacting to current headlines. Thank you for your consideration in ensuring that Austin’s wildfire mitigation efforts align with both environmental stewardship and public safety.  We have some good news to share in case you missed it over the weekend. After months of hard work, hundreds of your thoughtful comment submissions, and a coalition effort from other dedicated groups including Save Barton Creek Association, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, Austin Sierra Club, Austin Environmental Democrats, and Hays Residents for Land and Water Protection—the item that would have initiated an amendment to the Save Our Springs Ordinance for Milestone's proposed "Hays Commons" development has been withdrawn from consideration. This means we are calling off the action alert to speak at the Planning Commission today as originally planned. Hooray!! This victory is thanks to all of you—our SOS members, allies, and partners who spoke out against this harmful proposal. We’ve made it clear that this is an awful idea for our community, and together, we’ve forced the pause on this development. The Austin Planning Commissioners heard the community’s concerns, raised key questions about the conflicts with the City’s growth plans, and highlighted the environmental damage that could have resulted from this project. Additionally, Council Member Paige Ellis announced she would not support the applicant's request for increased impervious cover on the site. This sent a strong signal that City Council would not back the proposal if it advanced. This is a meaningful win in the larger fight to protect this critical area of the Recharge Zone. We must continue to ensure that City resources, including water, are not used to support unstainable growth in this area. Continuing the WorkEven though we’ve won this round, there’s still more to do.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to be part of this effort—whether by attending meetings, sharing your concerns, or helping spread the word. This victory wouldn’t have been possible without your involvement and passion for protecting our community’s natural resources. Stay tuned for updates on the next phases of this project and how you can stay involved.  Exciting News – We're MovingSave Our Springs Alliance HQ is relocating to a new space closer to the springs—a permanent home where we can continue our important work. As we make this transition, please be patient with us. We’ll be out of reach for a few days while we settle into our new office.
In the meantime, we may have some free office furniture available, so keep an eye out for those posts in the coming days. We appreciate your understanding as we settle in and get up to full speed. Thank you for your continued support! SOS Alliance  We are thrilled to announce: YOU did it!
After months of hard work, a groundswell of community opposition, and a coalition effort from dedicated groups--Save Our Springs Alliance, Save Barton Creek Association, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, Austin Sierra Club, Austin Environmental Democrats, and Hays Residents for Land and Water Protection—the item that would have initiated an amendment to the Save Our Springs Ordinance for Milestone's proposed "Hays Commons" development has been withdrawn from consideration. This means we are calling off the action alert to speak on Tuesday January 28th at the Planning Commission meeting. We are so grateful to the hundreds of SOS members and allies who voiced concern about the proposed Hays Commons’ development. While the exact reasons for the withdrawal remain unclear, we know that our collective efforts played a key role in this outcome. Based on community-driven concerns, many Austin Planning Commissioners raised important questions about this proposal’s conflicts with the City’s sustainable growth plans and highlighted the potential environmental damage the project could cause over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. Additionally, a key turning point came when Council Member Paige Ellis announced she would not support the applicant's request for increased impervious cover on the site. This sent a strong signal that City Council would not back the proposal if it advanced. We are also incredibly thankful to the Austin Environmental Commission and Planning Commission members who met with us and ultimately supported the effort to protect this area from overdevelopment. This is a meaningful win in the larger fight to protect this critical area of the Recharge Zone. We must continue to ensure that City resources, including water, are not used to support unstainable growth in this area. Continuing the Work Even though we’ve won this round, there’s still more to do.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to be part of this effort—whether by attending meetings, sharing your concerns, or helping spread the word. This victory wouldn’t have been possible without your involvement and passion for protecting our community’s natural resources. Stay tuned for updates on the next phases of this project and how you can stay involved. With immense gratitude, SOS Alliance  After years of legal battles, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has recommended downlisting Texas’ beloved golden-cheeked warbler from “endangered” to “threatened.” This decision yanks on the thread to unravel decades of hard-fought protections for the bird, whose habitat is rapidly vanishing due to rampant land development and devastating climate change. An Abridged History
In the coming months there will be a public comment period, so stay tuned. This heinous decision puts a spotlight on a larger issue we cannot ignore: in the coming years, the challenges we face will intensify. But we are not powerless, and SOS is working with researchers to show the warblers shrinking numbers and habitat. Please donate to SOS to ensure the golden-cheeked warbler—and the biodiversity it represents—remains protected. Together, we can make data, science, and collective action tools for resistance.  Hays Commons Makes No Sense: New Planning Commission Date Set for January 28thUPDATE on Hays Commons: New Planning Commission Date Set for January 28thIf you have written to the Planning Commission to oppose the harmful Hays Commons Development and its request for an amendment to the Save Our Springs Initiative Ordinance, THANK YOU. We received word that the item will be postponed by the Planning Commission until January 28th at 6 PM at Austin City Hall (301 W. 2nd Street). Speakers must register by 5:30 PM on Jan. 28th. The Good News: This delay, requested by the developer MileStone Community Builders, gives us more time to organize and voice our concerns. The Bad News: Milestone won't take "NO" as an answer. We need your help to prevent the extension of water and wastewater utility lines to the area, which will drastically increase development and environmental harm in an area that the City of Austin has spent millions trying to protect. The proposed development, Hays Commons, poses risks to the water quality of the Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs. If approved, it could set a dangerous precedent for how Austin manages development in the Recharge Zone. How You Can Help1. Contact the Planning Commission: Use this extra time to urge them to reject MileStone's amendment request. Emphasize the risks to water quality and the importance of protecting our natural resources. The more personal the comments, the better! 2. Mark Your Calendar: Plan to attend the meeting on January 28th and speak out. We’ll provide registration details as the date approaches. A Facebook event invitation is linked below if you need a reminder.
3. Stay Informed: For ongoing updates and more information, visit our linktree: https://linktr.ee/stophayscommons. We linked the presentation from our community meeting held on January 7, 2025. Together, we can protect our springs and aquifer. Let’s show the Planning Commission that our community stands united against sprawl over the Recharge Zone! Austin Environmental Democrats Endorse Against Hays CommonsOn Friday, January 10, 2025, the Austin Environmental Democrats joined the Save Our Springs Alliance, Save Barton Creek Association, Austin Chapter of the Sierra Club, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, and Hays Residents for Land and Water Protection in opposing the Hays Commons development and its request for City water and wastewater utilities. Note: SOS is a non-partisan organization. This is shared only to announce that another group has joined the fight against Hays Commons. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DETAILS: When: January 28th at 6 PM Where: Austin City Hall (301 W. 2nd Street). Important: Speakers must register by 5:30 PM on Jan. 28th. |
Archives
April 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed
Save Our Springs Alliance
|
Quick Links |
SOS is a 501 c3 non profit and your donation is tax deductible