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January 16, 2013

What Are ‘Environmental Flows’ And How Does Texas Protect Them?

Even if the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) doesn’t send water downstream to rice farmers this year, the Colorado River will still flow. Without that constant flow, the river would dry up, destroying and inland ecosystems and the brackish estuary near the coast. But how much water should be sent downriver to maintain the ecosystem? That’s […]

January 15, 2013

After a Year With Failing Well, Water Solution In Sight For Spicewood Beach

Nearly a year ago, the groundwater well serving the small lakeside community of Spicewood Beach, about 40 miles outside of Austin, began to fail. Ever since, the locals there, mostly retirees, have gotten their water trucked in several times a day to keep the taps flowing. As the levels of Lake Travis have fallen during the […]

Thanks to Limits, Flounder Making a Comeback on Texas Coast

Captain Dan, the ‘Flounder Man’ has been hunting flounder on the Texas coast for more than 30 years. In the dark of night, Captain Dan escorts his clients along the Gulf shore in his brightly lit skiff and stalks flounder laying on the sandy floor. Armed with miniature tridents set on poles, his clients wait […]

January 14, 2013

Lesser Prairie Chicken Has Energy Industry Worried

From the Texas Tribune: In a few months, a grouse known as the lesser prairie chicken will emerge from its West Texas winter hideaway. Males will do a loud and elaborate mating dance, delighting females — and birdwatchers. But there is less dancing now because the chickens’ numbers have declined. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife […]

Exporting Natural Gas Raises Hopes and Fears on the Texas Coast

If you think the price of natural gas is too low and think the solution is to increase demand by exporting the stuff, who will benefit?

January 11, 2013

Traditional Instrument Makers Struggle Under Federal Endangered Wood Rules

Mandolins, guitars and banjos line the walls of the Fiddlers Green Music Shop in Austin, Texas. Every instrument has its own unique sound, something that depends on craftsmanship and musicianship and something else: wood. “This is a Dreadnought. This would be in the style of a Martin, this has an Adirondack spruce top. And then […]

January 10, 2013

Lawmaker Moves Forward to Start Funding Water Plan

A state representative filed legislation today to start funding new water projects in Texas, as the state continues to struggle with water supplies and drought. In two House Bills, State Rep. Allan Ritter (R-Nederland), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, advocates taking $2 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to start “a new, dedicated […]

January 8, 2013

LCRA Approves Plan That Will Likely Cut Off Rice Farmers This Year

In a unanimous vote today, the Board of Directors at the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) approved an emergency plan that could cut off water for most rice farmers downstream in order to protect supplies for the City of Austin. The plan is identical to the one that last year resulted in rice farmers being […]

As Oil and Gas Surge, a Town on the Texas Coast Hopes for Transformation

Oil and gas have always fueled dreams in Texas. Here’s one more. “It feels like Port Lavaca is right on the verge of something really big happening,” says Bob Turner, the city manager for this coastal community of 12,000 people.

January 3, 2013

Under Pressure, LCRA Announces New Plan That Could Cut Off Rice Farmers

The LCRA had initially planned to send water from the Highland Lakes downstream this Spring. But after vocal, continuous opposition from state senators they appear to have reversed course.

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