Mopac was built for Austin commuters – help us keep it that way! Go to KeepMopacLocal.org and send a clear message to Travis County Commissioners and the Austin City Council to “Keep Mopac Local.”  Currently Mopac operates as a local commuter highway, primarily serving local commuters.  But a renewed push to connect the southern end of Mopac over to I-35 by way of the proposed SH 45 Southwest highway would make Mopac a western I-35 alternative.  Traffic models show the SH 45 SW connector would add 30,000 cars per day to Mopac.

The Edwards Aquifer contains numerous intermittent and perennial springs throughout that are home to several species of solely aquatic, perennibranchiate (“always gilled”) Eurycea salamanders.  Two of these species have two of the smallest known ranges of any vertebrate species, residing only in the complex of springs known as Barton Springs.  Eurycea sosorum, the Barton Springs Salamander, inhabits the surface and immediate subsurface habitat (epigean) of Parthenia Spring (in Barton Springs Pool), Eliza Spring, Sunken Garden, and Upper Barton Spring.  Eurycea waterlooensis, the Austin Blind Salamander, inhabits the deeper subterranean habitat beneath the surface of Parthenia, Eliza, and Sunken Garden.  . . . → Read More: Barton Springs Salamander Update

As many of you may know, there’s been a steep decline in the number of proposed development projects in the Barton Springs Zone and an increase in projects elsewhere. The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District has published “Desired Future Conditions” and “Sustainable Yields” reports in response to these changes.

To read this report, click here.

Another recent development regarding Barton Springs involves Nico Hauwert, a hydrogeologist at the City of Austin and long-time “student” of the aquifer. In his extensive studies he has discovered that Barton Springs may receive recharge from the Blanco River.

To read an abridged version . . . → Read More: Recent Developments and Publications Impacting Barton Springs

In 2010 we said goodbye to two of Save Barton Creek Association’s longtime friends and supporters – Wayne Gronquist and Susan Bright. To learn about the lives of these amazing people and their advocacy for clean water and healthy communities, please click here to read their remembrances.

As we begin this new year I appreciate this opportunity to recap 2010 for you and I am also pleased to announce that I have handed the Presidency gavel off to my dear friend and colleague for the past twenty years at Save Barton Creek Association – Jackie Goodman.

A few events occurred last year that bring changes to the Save Barton Creek Association. Recently, Shudde Fath turned over the financial records to our new Treasurer, Kathy Smartt. For 30 years, Shudde kept meticulous records of every donation, kept the mailing list updated, paid the Association’s bills and prepared . . . → Read More: President’s Farewell Letter – Jon Beall