Learn more about his legacy and commitment to Barton Springs Former Save Our Springs Board Chair and Austin conservation leader Mark Tschurr concluded a wonderful life last week. Mark's obituary is posted here. It highlights how much he loved and worked to protect Barton Springs and the environment of his Austin home. A memorial service has not yet been scheduled. In the 1992 campaign to win voter approval of the citizen-initiated Save Our Springs ordinance, Mark jumped in to lead the Austin Business Leaders for the Environment (ABLE) PAC. He worked closely with other SOS champions from across the political spectrum to win a landslide vote to "save our springs" in August 1992. From then until his final days Mark challenged those around him to make community service and protecting the environment a part of their personal lives. Mark was a true friend of Barton Springs, Austin, the Hill Country, and Mother Earth. Mark lived the idea that doing the right thing was more important than taking credit for the results. And that if things didn't work out, the door stayed open to try again. Mark's advocacy and connections in the tech world helped steer several corporate expansions and relocations towards downtown and north Austin, away from our vulnerable Hill Country watersheds. As a small business owner in Austin's emerging tech world, Mark took real risks in telling the Chamber of Commerce they were wrong in arguing that protecting Barton Springs by passing the SOS ordinance was bad for our economy. He ruffled feathers in opposing corporate subsidies, insisting that businesses should pay their fair share of taxes, and speaking up in social settings on the side of protecting the environment when others remained silent.
When Mark joined the SOS Board as Chair, he opened doors and sought compromise but rejected doing deals that pitted good government against watershed protection. He championed public funding to buy critical watershed protection lands -- and challenged landowners to donate or sell at a discount conservation easements that would protect our Hill Country watersheds forever. Mark's efforts helped protect thousands of acres in the Barton Springs and Colorado River watersheds. He also played a key role in securing permanent protection of land at Jacob's Well, part of which is now Hays County's Jacob's Well Preserve. Mark lived his life dedicated to his wife Betsy, daughter Helen, son Henry, and to the Austin community. He was close friends with SOS Executive Director Bill Bunch, SOS founding board chair Helen Ballew, ABLE co-founders Deborah Morin and John Mackey, and many other SOS supporters. Austin and SOS were blessed by Mark's wisdom and love for our fair city and for Barton Springs. We thank you Mark and will continue to be inspired and guided by your leadership. Our sympathies go out to Betsy, Helen, Henry and the Tschurr family. SOS Alliance Photos: Mark and Betsy Tschurr taking the Polar Bear plunge at Barton Springs on New Year's Day, 2023. Join us in urging the City Council to reject irresponsible code amendments, conduct a full audit of the Trail Conservancy's dealings, and prioritize the restoration of our trails and Critical Water Quality Zones. Austinites love our Lady Bird Lake and the Butler Trail encircling the lake. Everyday thousands of people -- mostly walkers and joggers-- enjoy the tree lined, lakeside trail. It's an escape to nature and community, in the heart of the City we love. Imagine converting the Butler Trail into a much larger trail, with more pavement, less shade, designed for high speed ebike and scooter traffic, and servicing expanded commercial concessions along the trail. This new "trail," or lakeside transportation project along with commercial ventures on the shoreline , would require cutting down lots more trees and destroying native vegetation, which would also dramatically increase erosion along the banks. Our City Council is poised to approve this coming Thursday, March 7th, revisions to code provisions that would permit expansion of hard surface trails (greater than 12 feet) within the Critical Water Quality Zone and eliminate requirements for restoration of these areas caused by these expansions. We are shocked and disappointed that The Trail Conservancy would be pushing hard to eliminate water quality protections and City Council oversight of their actions. This is our public park land. Most trail users want more shade trees, not fewer; a more natural trail corridor, not more pavement and commerce, and a walk, run, jog or recreational bike ride on the lake shore with less heat, noise, erosion, and pollution. In short, The Trail Conservancy is trying to obtain a “carte blanche” from the City to do whatever they want with our Trail. Oversight from PARD is inadequate and the pressure on Watershed Protection staff is alarming. Our City's Climate Equity Plan as well as our citywide Parks Plan calls for more nature -- rewilding -- of our parks and public lands. We need our Parks Department planting more trees, not cutting them down, removing pavement that's not needed, and cleaning up Lady Bird Lake for more recreational enjoyment and escape from the worsening urban heat island. We've seen the giant erosion slumps on the Butler Trail, above Barton Creek, that have sat exposed for 6 years or more. The Parks Department and The Trail Conservancy only point fingers at each other for having done nothing to shore up these erosion zones. They will still be pointing at each other when the next flash flood downpour causes much large chunks of the trail to slide into the lake. Please join in telling the City Council to oppose these harmful amendments, to launch a full audit of the Trail Conservancy's relationship with the City, and to prioritize stewardship and restoration along the trail.
Watch for more details early next week and mark your calendars for more fun at City Hall on Thursday, March 7th. Many Thanks, SOS Alliance Direct democracy in Austin is under threat, and we need your help to protect it! The City of Austin Charter Commission, appointed by the City Council, is pushing forward on a proposal to raise signature requirements on voter-initiated ordinances and council recalls. If this move goes forward, and voters approve it in November, it would essentially end our already limited rights of direct democracy in Austin. The voter-initiated ordinance process has been crucial in shaping our city's policies, from dismantling racist agreements to securing passage of the Save Our Springs ordinance in 1992. No city council would ever pass such an ordinance -- because of the undue influence of developer money on City Hall. It currently takes 20,000 signatures of qualified voters to place a measure on the ballot. This is not an easy task. There have been few citizen initiated ordinances to earn a place on the ballot -- and fewer still that have won voter approval. Don't buy the lie that "its too easy" to secure 20,000 valid voter signatures; its not. The Charter Commission is also considering a recommendation to raise the signature requirements on petitions to recall city council members. Our charter currently requires 10% of qualified voters in a given council district. This is also no easy task. Consider there has been no successful recall petition in Austin in recent memory. Council Members seeking to evade accountability are pushing for these changes. Although rare, a meaningful right to petition for a recall is an important right that should not be rendered meaningless by raising the signature requirement from its current, high bar. These proposals lack practical merit and undermine the democratic process. Key reforms like the Save Our Springs Initiative and the adoption of the 10-1 Geographic Representation began as grassroots efforts, leading to transformative impacts on city policies. It's a blatant attempt by those in power--and their monied backers-- to eliminate the small bit of sharing power with the people that our current charter provides. Together, we can ensure that the voices of Austin residents are heard and respected. Please, click below to email the City of Austin Charter Commission and urge them to vote against the proposed increase in signature requirements and to preserve Austin's direct democracy. If you're able to make a donation to SOS, you'll support our ongoing efforts to defend water quality and uphold our shared democracy in Austin. Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for demonstrating your support when it truly matters. Let's remain united in our efforts to fight for what's right, together!
SOS Alliance With a year-round temperature of ~70º, is there ever a wrong time to swim in Barton Springs? After putting together the pros and cons for each season, we want to know what you think! Summer Soak-fest Is there anything more Austin than a 100º+ day at Barton Springs? The banks are full of swimmers soaking up the sun, blankets of people reading books in the shade, less-clothed visitors practicing yoga at the top of the hill, the sounds of a djembe drum or two. All summer long, there’s a shrill in the air as people jump into the water and experience the cold shock. Pros:
Fall Frolic Ah fall, Austin’s other summer. Sometimes it’s hard to know if fall is even real, but there are some notable changes at Barton Springs that make it a contender for some patrons. Pros:
Winter Waters Some people like ice baths, and some people like Barton Springs. In the winter months, the Soul of Austin transforms into a steamy “hot spring” relative to the chilly temperatures. Pros:
Spring Springs With birdsong filling the air and as we are antsy to break free from the winter chill, we eagerly await the sunny days. When it finally arrives, the allure of Barton Springs is irresistible. Pros:
The Bottom Line No matter when you visit Barton Springs, you’re guaranteed an adventure. Getting to enjoy this serene natural treasure in the heart of Austin, Texas is a gift any time of the year. We want to know, when is your favorite time to dip? SOS Alliance
TxDOT is planning to widen US Highway 290 from Oak Hill through Dripping Springs from its current undivided four lane format to a divided six-lane with adjacent two-lane frontage roads. To do this, TxDOT will have to widen the right of way from ~180' to ~320', forcing the destruction of 13 residences, 82 commercial businesses and one church. The current safety standards TxDOT refers to suggest a minimum right of way of 400'; in order to cinch in to minimize the amount of eminent domain claims, TxDOT will be utilizing concrete barriers as a safety measure as a result of the limited space. Downtown Dripping Springs, from Roger Hanks Parkway to Rob Shelton Blvd will be a six-lane divided highway with a concrete barricade. While we agree that vehicular and pedestrian safety should be a priority, we are not confident that this expansion proposal will solve these problems. To end a six-lane highway with frontage roads into the series of traditional four-way stop lights in downtown Dripping will not improve any traffic congestion, while adding a significant amount of impervious cover, increasing the risk of damage from floods. As stated in the feasibility draft provided by TxDOT, this breakout section would not increase the level of service rating applied to this part of the highway. Per the report: most of US 290 in Dripping Springs is forecasted to operate at a Level of Service (LOS, rated A through F) of E or worse for either the improved or no-build conditions. This proposal will also impact the migration of wildlife throughout the area, increase light and sound pollution, and impact access to the businesses that will remain along the corridor. Limited access entrance roads enter the highway in 2 mile increments, meaning local drivers will spend more time on the road, navigating turnarounds of up to 2 miles that used to be accessible via left turn lanes. More time on the road translates into more exhaust and heat pollution, and more TRAFFIC, negating any slight time improvements due to removing a few of the traffic lights. With the proposed widening, and concrete barriers, local wildlife movement will be impacted. Lack of wildlife crossings presents both a safety hazard and an impediment to the necessary movement of species. Deer/car crashes could be better addressed through adequate crossings. The feasibility draft mentions congestion at the intersection of 12 and 290, yet plans leave the intersection foundationally identical. The only changes proposed to this intersection seem to be dedicated right turn lanes on 290, and removing one of the two left turn lanes onto westbound 290 from northbound 12 (south of the intersection). The intersection of RM 12 and Mercer street isn’t included in the schematic, and may not undergo improvement. The City of Dripping Springs traffic study from 2021 mentions significant congestion at this intersection in the introduction. It is difficult to anticipate any improvements to congestion if the proposal is to provide more lanes to these intersections without improving the intersections themselves. The environmental constraint map presented at the public meeting was meant to show seeps and springs; it marked wells in the downtown Dripping Springs area, but neglected to identify the namesake springs of the town. These should be highlighted and featured, with public access walking trails.
Our belief is that water quality could be better addressed by using bioswales within medians to clean runoff closer to the source, utilizing taller, more deeply rooted plants which aid in both clarification and infiltration. Instead, presumably closely-mown water quality ponds are placed right along the banks of creeks, even encroaching into creek channels. During 100 year flood events, these would be inundated, negating any filtration, and allowing untreated water to infiltrate and contaminate the aquifer. Likewise, breaking up the east and west-bound lanes with interior bioswale medians reduces the chance of hydroplaning from excess runoff, creating safer driving conditions. It is curious that no alternatives to traditional four-way intersections are a part of this proposal. If this TXDOT proposal included options for roundabouts, diverging diamond interchanges, or otherwise addressed the congestion at intersections along this route, it may be possible to mitigate widening the right of way and the costs associated with that, while accomplishing improved mobility and safety for all. If, in order to maintain the highest measure of safety, it becomes necessary to further lower the speed limit along the corridor to 45mph, this may also encourage drivers to find alternative routes to and around Dripping Springs such as Fitzhugh Road or FM 1826, both of which are scheduled for improvements per their respective jurisdictions. Improving alternate routes for travelers should be a concomitant suggestion to improve traffic and safety. An important further consideration is the new 2500 student high school planned for Dripping Springs off Darden Hill Road; once constructed, this facility will greatly relieve congestion at 290 and 12, as students east of there will no longer be traveling through at busy times. It’s an interesting exercise to contemplate which takes longer, and comes at a greater cost in terms of money, environmental destruction, and lost time: a new school, or years of highway delay due to environmental and funding requirements and roadway construction? While this part of the Hill Country is experiencing unprecedented growth, it's disappointing, if not offensive, to be presented with a project that maintains the status quo for a highway layout that will continue to need improvements for as long as the infrastructure exists, while destroying the livelihood of almost 100 business owners and the homes of over a dozen more, and offering no relief from the problems mentioned by the community. To spend a quarter of a billion dollars on a project that will destroy the character and feeling of Dripping Springs while not solving the problems it set out to is an insult to everyone here. Thank you for the opportunity to review plans and submit comments. Public participation is a valuable ingredient to any public infrastructure. For those utilizing this to create their own comments, here are further references for consideration: What is Vision Zero? | Vision Zero Network Urban Street Design Guide | National Association of City Transportation Officials (nacto.org) Downtown Thoroughfare | National Association of City Transportation Officials (nacto.org) w15376.pdf (nber.org) Your participation is crucial to preserving the Hill Country and Proposing REAL solutions for our community's transit challenges. Hands Off Our Highways! SOS Alliance Today is one worth celebrating as we take a step forward in protecting our invaluable watershed. The Austin City Council voted on the acquisition of a 490-acre conservation easement on Onion Creek near Driftwood, a move that aligns with our ongoing efforts to protect the areas most vulnerable to urban runoff and development. The Onion Creek watershed is the largest source of recharge waters that feed Barton Springs. As Onion Creek flows across the fractured, cave-forming Edwards limestone, its waters plunge into the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. Once inside the Edwards, those waters flow rapidly to the north through open channels in the rock before emerging at Barton Springs. Along the way, Kyle, Buda, and other smaller water providers pump this beautiful, clear Edwards water for their municipal water supplies.
Hays County is contributing $1 million towards the easement, and we thank the Hays County Commissioners Court for joining in with the City of Austin to protect as much of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer watershed as we can. Let's take a moment to acknowledge the momentum this brings towards our bigger goals. Last November, voters overwhelmingly approved a $400 million bond for parks and conservation lands. Now, we need the City Council to follow suit and ask voters to approve $800 million this year for comprehensive land, water, and climate protection, as outlined in Austin's Climate Equity Plan. This is a landmark decision in the RIGHT direction. Send emails, make calls, and thank Council for protecting this 490 acres and urge them to move now to place more funds on the ballot for permanent protection of open spaces all around Austin. In gratitude, SOS Alliance Standing Room Only! Concerned Neighbors Tell Mirasol Springs That There is Not Enough Water1/30/2024
Thank you for coming out to speak up for the springs and endangered species last week at the groundwater conservation district meetings that were held to consider whether to let the Mirasol Springs development pump groundwater in one of the most sensitive areas of the Texas Hill Country. It was standing room only at both the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District and Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District meetings with concerned citizens packing the room to let both districts know that there is simply NOT ENOUGH WATER to support the houses, restaurant, spa, hotel, event center, research center, and other facilities on the ever growing list of what Mirasol Springs plans to build next to the sensitive Roy Creek Canyon. Meeting Hi-Lights: Attendees got to hear Bill Oliver sing about how there is not enough water in the area and hear SOS Executive Director Bill Bunch explain that this is not the right place or time for new development, even one that claims to be conservation minded. Neighbors of the Mirasol Springs development described their deep connection to their land and their fears that Mirasol will cause their wells and springs to go dry. Biologist Crystal Datri underscored the urgency of denying Mirasol’s groundwater permits since their groundwater pumping activities could likely cause the extinction of the Pedernales River springs salamander. What’s Next? The fight to protect Roy Creek Canyon, the Pedernales River, nearby springs, and nearby endangered species is far from over. The groundwater conservation district meetings last week were just the first steps to challenge Mirasol’s groundwater pumping permits. The next step on the groundwater front is for Save Our Springs Alliance in partnership with Save the Pedernales to negotiate with Mirasol to see if a compromise can be reached. If a compromise that protects the Hill Country cannot be reached, the groundwater conservation districts will hold evidentiary hearings to determine the extent of Mirasol’s impacts on nearby groundwater users and the environment. Please Continue to Show up for Our Springs! The next opportunity for public engagement on the Mirasol Springs development is on February 12th at 7pm at 1042 Event Center Drive in Dripping Springs, when TCEQ will hold a public meeting on Mirasol’s proposed wastewater permit. You can sign up at the meeting to present oral comments to TCEQ and the developer, and you can submit written comments online through the end of the public meeting. 🗣️ Speak out against irresponsible developments in fragile Central Texas water zones! Community, we want you to know about these pivotal permit hearings that require our collective action. The proposed Mirasol Development in Northern Hays/Western Travis counties, surrounding the pristine Roy Creek Canyon (pictured above), is having permit hearings next week with both the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District. Each of the districts have issued draft permits, and the meetings will decide whether those draft permits will be accepted or contested. The outcome will determine how much groundwater Mirasol is allowed to pump, which could affect nearby springs in both counties, including those in Roy Creek Canyon, at Hamilton Pool and Westcave Preserves, and at Reimer's Ranch. There are several threatened and endangered species potentially at risk, including the Pedernales River springs salamander, fatmucket mussels in the river near the mouth of the creeks, Golden-cheeked warblers nesting in the canyons, and Guadalupe bass in the river and creeks. The Mirasol team is planning significant development, including 40-50 large home lots, 2 restaurants, a 70+ room luxury hotel, ~30 rental casitas, a farm, and a research field station, in an area that is mostly under conservation easements, or is parkland. The amount of water used will impact flows in both the Pedernales River (already quite low), and in numerous springs throughout the nearby area. SOS, Save the Pedernales, Travis County, and numerous individual landowners will be requesting contested case hearings, as will the developers themselves, as they are not content with the limited amount of water and conditional restrictions the groundwater districts are intending to implement. We want to be sure to support the groundwater districts' stellar efforts while also holding these developers to standards that will not negatively impact Roy Creek and all of the various and beloved parks and preserves nearby. Although the Mirasol development has good intentions, they are planning to build a high water use luxury hotel and two restaurants in a place with very limited water availability. They will start by pumping Pedernales River water to drought-like conditions before switching to groundwater, at times when springs and the life that depends on them will already be stressed. The Pedernales River provides up to 24% of the inflow to Lake Travis, Austin's drinking water supply. Reducing its flow reduces the drinking water supply of hundreds of thousands of Austinites. Mirasol plans to collect rainwater on the homes, however it will not be nearly enough to meet the needs of the commercial development. Your Voice, Your Impact: Take Action! Please let the groundwater districts know you care about the health of these springs, and their viability as preserves and as public recreational spaces which support abundant and endemic wildlife. Support the districts in limiting the amount of water available for use by the development. If you are a regular user of any of the above mentioned parks and preserves, or of the river itself, please consider speaking on their behalf. Most of these springs and the river itself have been greatly reduced in the last few years, and are already under high stress from prolonged drought. They just cannot support intensive commercial development. You can email the districts with your comments, or come to the meetings and deliver them orally in person. If you prefer not to speak, being in the room to show support for our precious springs will still be extremely helpful; Save the Pedernales will have stickers on hand to wear to show your support. We would like to fill these large spaces to let the developers know they are being carefully watched. Monday, 1/22/24, 5:30 pm, Bee Cave City Hall, 4000 Galleria Pkwy, Bee Cave, TX 78738: Southwestern Travis County Groundwater District Discussion of SWTGCD draft permit. For Southwestern Travis: Anyone interested in the application may submit written comments to the District up to the start time of the hearing, or may attend the hearing to submit written comments in person, or make oral comments. Thursday, 1/25/24, 5:00 PM, Sunset Canyon Baptist Church, 4000 US-290, Dripping Springs: Hearing on the HTGCD Draft Permit. The initial meeting will allow the board to hear from both sides to determine whether the permit will be contested. If it is, another meeting will follow immediately after to begin addressing the contested case. For Hays Trinity: The District will accept written comments by 4pm the business day before the Board Meeting, 1/24/24. Public comment, limited to 5 minutes, can also be spoken at the meeting, by registering to speak at the start of the meeting. Four of the five wells being used are in this district. For reference, this district has been in Stage 4 Emergency Drought, their most severe, for over 18 months. And Later In January 2024...Monday, January 29th at 7PM TCEQ Public Meeting about Fitzhugh Concert Venue (Blizexas, LLC) The meeting will be held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs, TX. Attending this public meeting is the most effective way to share your concerns with the state officials who will play a deciding role in whether this ill-conceived concert venue moves forward. You can also sign the petition HERE. Your involvement is crucial in safeguarding the Texas Hill Country and ensuring responsible development that aligns with our shared commitment to water conservation.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we can make a difference! SOS Alliance We are on the Hunt for a Passenger Van or Shuttle for Ecotours Have a 15-seat passenger van to donate or sell at a reasonable price? Know about one? SOS is looking for a used-but-in-good-shape Ford Transit or similar passenger van for our Barton Springs University ecotours and related educational programs. If you know about a candidate van, write us at info@sosalliance.organd we will get back to you promptly. Thank you for spreading the word! Save Our Springs champions this endangered salamander in recent legal initiatives While most people who are familiar with Barton Springs know of the beloved and endangered Barton Springs Salamander, today we’re discussing another salamander that needs our help, the Pedernales River springs salamander. Across Texas, the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers and their springs are home to several endangered and threatened species. Due to the unique ecosystem Hill Country limestone-filtered spring water produces, these species are not found anywhere else in the world. To date, there are 13 federally listed endangered species in the Edwards Aquifer. According to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) an endangered species is “any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Whereas a threatened species is “any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” Pedernales River Springs Salamander The Pedernales River springs salamander was discovered in 1989 near Travis County’s Hamilton Pool Preserve. While the name is a mouthful, it is quite literal. This tiny salamander lives along the Pedernales River in springs-filled pools and underground spaces where Travis, Hays, and Blanco counties converge near Hamilton Pool. The Pedernales River Springs Salamander has yet to be formally described with U.S. Fish and Wildlife. However, researchers at the University of Texas Austin and at U.T. Arlington have confirmed its status as a distinct species. Federal Protection Efforts
Save Our Springs, alongside other environmental groups and scientists, have been working since 2021 to establish the Pedernales River springs salamander as “endangered” under the federal Endangered Species Act. On October 18th, 2023 Save Our Springs raised urgency with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife to act soon to list the salamander as endangered since time is dwindling for the species. The salamander is a spring-dependent species with an extremely small habitat range that is facing threats from climate change, dwindling groundwater levels, and overdevelopment. Biggest Threats The proposed Mirasol Springs development is among the biggest threats the species now faces. Groundwater modeling predicts that pumping from the Trinity Aquifer for the Mirasol Springs development will contribute to the dewatering of the springs that the species depends on. The development would also draw water directly from the Pedernales river itself, a tributary that makes up 22% of the flow into Lake Travis, a source of Austin’s drinking water. Those same springs that the salamander resides in feed the Pedernales River, and the river is a recharge feature for the aquifer. Lastly,the development is proposing to dispose of its wastewater in a manner that would cause treated sewage to run directly into some of the springsheds that the salamanders call home. You can learn more about threats facing the Pedernales River springs salamander from SOS’s most recent comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on our Reports and Documents webpage here. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to decide on whether to list the Pedernales River Springs salamander soon. How You Can Help While we are in a waiting period with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, we will be providing updates and actions you can take (when we know more) through our Newsletter. If you haven’t already, please sign up to join our newsletter. You can also help by making a donation to SOS and educating others through social channels! Donations allow us to pay for species research and conservation efforts, file petitions with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and cover any necessary legal costs we incur during our efforts to conserve water ecosystems throughout the Texas Hill Country. Help spread the word and stay tuned for more information about the vulnerable Pedernales River springs salamander! For the love of Salamanders ~SOS Alliance |
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