Cofran's Texas . . .
Hill Country Portal

The Hill Country is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. It is our duty to prudently manage these resources for our future generations. This focus topic page is dedicated to this subject and embraces water, soil, and land, as well as conservation, management, control and use of these resources.

There is substantial overlap in the scope of many of the profiled organizations. While we have attempted to group them by their predominant theme, be sure to review other groupings to find valuable resources.

Be sure to check our related comprehensive Portal focus pages on: Water Wells, Septic Services, Parks & Lakes, Caves & Caverns, Bats & Bat Caves, Outdoors, Hunting & Fishing and Wildflowers.

And, check out or comprehensive Portal page on State and Federal government agencies at State-Federal









AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE OFFICES: agextension.tamu.edu. See Portal profiles for AgriLife that lists all of their extension offices. These offices are funded and operated by the Texas A&M University, and formerly and locally are called the "Extension Office" or "County Extension Office" and often just called the "Ag Office". See agrilifeextension.tamu.edu. Various AgfiLife specialists provide a wide range of public services and information related to agriculture including: fruit and nut production, lawn care, gardening, grazing management, vegetation manipulation, livestock management, and implementation of the 4H program. Blanco: 830-868-7167, Gillespie: 830-997-3452, Hays: 512-393-2120, Llano: 325-247-5159, Mason: 325-347-6459

FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA): fsa.usda.gov. Administers the Farm Bill as passed by Congress. Several programs are currently in operation including EQUIP, CRP, TAP, LAP, NAP, and loan programs. Blanco: 830-868-4656, Gillespie: 830-997-3453, Hays: 512-392-3202, Llano and Mason: 325-347-5740

FEED & FERTILIZER CONTROL SERVICE (CHEMIST, OFFICE OF THE STATE): 979-845-1121; 445 Agronomy Rd, College Station, TX 77843-2114. otscweb.tamu.edu

GREEN SPACES ALLIANCE OF SOUTH TEXAS: greenspacesalliance.org

HILL COUNTRY ALLIANCE (HCA): 512-560-3135; hillcountryalliance.org. A non-profit organization whose purpose is to raise public awareness and build community support around the need to preserve the natural resources and heritage of the Central Texas Hill Country.

HILL COUNTRY LAND TRUST: 830-997-0027; 320 W San Antonio St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Located in the historic Jenschke House, part of the Gillespie County Historical Society's Pioneer Museum complex. hillcountrylandtrust.org. The HCLT operates in a 19-county service area to conserve and protect the agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, views, and watersheds of the Texas Hill Country. Currently the trust holds 17 donated conservation easements protecting approximately 5,000 acres.

HILL COUNTRY NIGHT SKY COOPERATIVE: hillcountrynightskycoop.org. A non-profit organization whose purpose is to raise public awareness on night sky preservation issues, and to encourage sound outdoor lighting management.

HILL COUNTRY RESOURCE CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT AREA, INC: 325-347-5005; hmitexas.org. Mason, TX

HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT-TEXAS: 830-868-2427; POB 373, 804 Danz Well Rd, Johnson City, TX 78636. Amy Normand, Executive Director. Lands-on learning for land stewards.

NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION (NGWA): 614-898-7791; A community of groundwater professionals working together to advance groundwater knowledge and the success of our members through education and outreach; advocacy; cooperation and information exchange; and enhancement of professional practices.ngwa.org, ngwa@ngwa.org

(The) NATURE CONSERVANCY: 800-628-6860; nature.org. The leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.
Local: 830-868-4830; 302 E Main St, Johnson City, TX 78636
Local: 325-347-5970; 2780 TX 29, Mason, TX 76856

SOCIETY FOR ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION: ser.org

SOCIETY FOR RANGE MANAGEMENT (SRM): 210-414-1688. rangelands.org/srm.shtml. SRM is concerned with studying, conserving, managing, and sustaining rangelands for ranching, wildlife, hydrology, and range and soil conservation.

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (TCEQ): 512-239-1000; 12100 Park 35 Cr, Austin, TX 78753. tceq.state.tx.us. This agency was called the "Texas Water Commission" in years past. Now it encompasses much more than just water! Scope includes water conservation, air quality, pollution prevention, rainwater collection, waste management and more.

(TEXAS) FOREST SERVICE (TFS): 979-458-6650; 301 Tarrow St, John B. Connally Bldg, 3rd Floor, Ste 364, College Station, TX 77840-7896. texasforestservice.tamu.edu. Provides technical assistance to landowners in forest related matters including oak wilt, tree health, tree selection, arboricultural consultation, and prevention and control of wildfires.TFS administers the Oak Wilt Suppression Project that can offer cost-shares to qualified landowners in most Central Texas counties. Johnson City: 830-868-7949

TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE: 512-463-5001; 1700 N Congress Ave, Ste 835, Austin, TX 78701. glo.texas.gov

TEXAS LAND CONSERVANCY: texaslandconservancy.org

TEXAS LAND TRUST COUNCIL: texaslandtrustcouncil.org

TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCES INFORMATION SYSTEM (TNRIS): tnris.org

TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT: 800-792-1112; 512-389-4800; 4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX 78744. tpwd.state.tx.us. Land & Water Resources: tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater. Provides technical assistance to landowners in all aspects of native wildlife and habitat management, including game, non-game, and endangered species. Experts are available to assist in preparation of detailed wildlife management plans. Blanco and Hays counties: 512-288-0895, Gillespie and Mason counties: 325-258-4456, Llano county: 325-247-1072.

TEXAS STATE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION BOARD (TSSWCB): 254-773-2250; 311 N 5th St, Temple, TX 76501. tsswcb.state.tx.us. A state agency. Mission is to encourage the wise and productive use of natural resources, to ensure the availability of those resources for future generations so that all Texans' present and future needs can be met in a manner that promotes a clean, healthy environment and strong economic growth.

USDA - NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS): nrcs.usda.gov. Assists landowners in preparing conservation plans, developing prescribed burning plans, and assisting with brush control, pond construction, terrace installation, and erosion control. NRCS also publishes soil surveys for each county. Blanco: 830-868-7237, Gillespie: 830-997-3349, Hays: 830-379-0930, Llano: 325-247-5154, Mason: 325-347-5749

USDA - LAND CONSERVATION: fsa.usda.gov





GENERAL RESOURCES:

AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE - WATER EDUCATION NETWORK: water.tamu.edu

CENTRAL TEXAS WATER COALITION: Spicewood, TX 78669. centraltexaswatercoalition.org. Mission is to advocate for the preservation and conservation of the Highland Lakes' water supply and water levels for the benefit of human health, safety, and recreation, and to preserve the Highland Lakes' role as an irreplaceable economic engine for the State of Texas.

FRIENDS FOR RIVERS: ffr.org

HILL COUNTRY ALLIANCE - WATER RESOURCES: hillcountryalliance.org/our-work/water-resources

HILL COUNTRY WATER: hillcountrywater.org

LCRA WATERSMART PROGRAM: lcra.org/water/watersmart

LLANO RIVER WATERSHED ALLIANCE: POB 725, Junction, TX 76849. llanoriver.org. An organization of landowners and interested stakeholders whose mission is to preserve and enhance the Llano River and adjoining watersheds by encouraging land and water stewardship through collaboration, education, and community participation.

RAINWATER REVIVAL EVENT: Dripping Springs, at Roger Hanks Park, US-290 West. 10a-7p. 512-479-9426. rainwaterrevival.com. Annual event, free. The festive day will be filled with informative and entertaining presentations by professionals and users of rainwater, water conservation-related business vendor booths, rainwater system displays, and plenty of experts to provide guidance and services. Food booths, shopping, live music. Early Oct, location may vary.

SAN MARCOS RIVER FOUNDATION: 512-353-4628; The Price Seniors Center, 222 W San Antonio St, San Marcos, TX 78666. sanmarcosriver.org. Mission is to protect public access and preserve the San Marcos River, focusing on protecting the flow from aquifer-fed springs,improving the water quality and protecting the beauty of the area with parks and annual clean-ups.

TEXAS ALLIANCE OF GROUNDWATER DISTRICTS (TAGD): texasgroundwater.org. Supports Texas groundwater conservation districts and their efforts to conserve, preserve, and protect Texas groundwater. POB 90277, Austin, TX 78709. 512-596-3101. info@texasgroundwater.org

TEXAS COALITION FOR CONSERVATION: texascoa.org

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (TCEQ): 512-239-1000; 12100 Park 35 Cr, Austin, TX 78753. tceq.state.tx.us. This agency was called the "Texas Water Commission" in years past. Now it encompasses much more than just water! Scope includes water conservation, air quality, pollution prevention, rainwater collection, waste management and more.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING & REGULATION (TDLR): tdlr.texas.gov

(TEXAS) GROUNDWATER PROTECTION COMMITTEE: 512-239-4506; 12100 Park 35 Cr, Austin, TX 78753. tgpc.state.tx.us. A state agency whose mission is to identify areas where new or existing groundwater programs could be enhanced, as well as improve coordination among agencies involved in groundwater activities. Its membership is made up of 10 statewide agencies and organizations.

TEXAS GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION: tgwa.org

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY WATER: txhillcountrywater.org

TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT (TPWD) - LANDWATER: tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater

TEXAS STATE OF WATER: A Texas A&M AgriLife organization. Various publications and resources available on website. texasthestateofwater.org

TEXAS STATUES: WATER CODE: statutes.capitol.texas.gov. All chapters are downloadable.

TEXAS WATER: texaswater.tamu.edu

TEXAS WATER ALLIANCE: texaswateralliance.org

TEXAS WATER CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION: twca.org

TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD (TWDB): 512-463-7847; 1700 N Congress Ave, Ste 513, Austin, TX 78701. twdb.texas.gov. A Texas state government organization that is "Leading the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas". Lots of resources on website, including groundwater maps, aquifer profiles, DFC's, models and publications. Emailed newsletters by topic. Annual state-wide conference.

TEXAS WATER INFORMATION: texaswaterinfo.net

TEXAS WATER MATTERS: texaswatermatters.org

TEXAS WATER RESOURCES INSTITUTE: 979-314-2824; 1001 Holleman Dr E, 2118 TAMU College Station, TX 77840-2118. A Texas A&M AgriLife organization. Various publications and resources available on website. twri.tamu.edu, twri@tamu.edu

TEXAS WATER SMART COALITION: watersmart.org. Spearheaded by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, this group is made up of leaders in the public and private sector dedicated to water conservation in our state, a comprehensive campaign to educate the public on simple ways to protect this resource.

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS: swf67.swf-wc.usace.army.mil

USGS – WATER FLOW RESOURCE: waterdata.usgs.gov/tx/nwis/current?type=flow#tx12

WATER CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL - SAVE TEXAS WATER: savetexaswater.org. Save Texas Water. In 2007, the 80th Texas Legislature, via the passage of Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 4, directed the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to appoint the members of the newly created Water Conservation Advisory Council. Chapter 10 of the Texas Water Code outlines the purpose of the council and defines the twenty-three entities and interest groups represented by those members. Mission: To establish a professional forum for the continuing development of water conservation resources, expertise, and progress evaluation of the highest quality for the benefit of Texas — its state leadership, regional and local governments, and general public. Water Conservation Defined: "Those practices, techniques, programs, and technologies that will protect water resources, reduce the consumption of water, reduce the loss or waste of water, improve the efficiency in the use of water, or increase the recycling and reuse of water so that a water supply is made available for future or alternative uses."

WATER SHED EXPERIENCE: watershedexperience.com

WATER ARTICLES/BROCHURES/RESOURCES:

• GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT AREAS (GMA): TWDB Web Site


• GROUNDWATER RELATED MAPS: hillcountryalliance.org/HCA/Maps


• RAINWATER HARVESTING: TWDB Web Site


• RAINWATER COLLECTION MANUAL: Manual


• (The) TEXAS WATER JOURNAL: journals.tdl.org/twj. Resource for Texas water resources management and policy issues. Journal is designed to provide in-depth analysis of Texas water resources management and policies from a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates science, engineering, law, planning, and other disciplines.


• US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (USGS): Includes topographical and aerial maps that can be downloaded or ordered already printed. Go to the USGS site, click on the Maps, Imagery & Publications button.


• WATER CONSERVATION TIPS: TWDB Web Site

TWDB GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT AREA (GMA) 9 IN THE HILL COUNTRY:

GMA 9 is located approximately in the center of the Texas Hill Country. See GMA 9 map and details at: twdb.texas.gov/groundwater/management_areas/gma9.asp

GCD members (more details in following section) include:

• Bandera County River Authority and GCD
• Blanco-Pedernales GCD
• Comal Trinity GCD
• Cow Creek GCD
• Hays Trinity GCD
• Headwaters GCD
• Medina County GCD
• Southwestern Travis County GCD
• Trinity Glen Rose GCD

Note: All other GMA's are likewise profiled at twdb.texas.gov/groundwater/management_areas. The most southerly portions of GMA 7 and 8 are in the Texas Hill Country. Most all of GMA 10 is also within the Texas Hill Country.

GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN THE HILL COUNTRY:

The following organizations are public entities (political subdivisions) the State of Texas. The underlying authority (creation and operation) for these entities is Article 16, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution, and by Chapter 36 of the State Water Code, both of which may be viewed at www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us. They are funded through property taxes and fees they collect for well permits. They are responsible for the conservation, preservation, protection and recharge of all groundwater and aquifers within their territory. In most GCD districts this does not include surface water (rivers, streams, creeks, ponds, tanks). In some GCD districts other missions are included.

The GMA number shown in these listings is the TWDB Groundwater Management Area designation (see above). Below is a partial listing.

• BANDERA COUNTY RIVER AUTHORITY & GROUNDWATER DISTRICT (GMA 9): 830-796-7260; 440 FM-3240, Bandera, TX 78003. A political subdivision of the State of Texas. The District is both a River Authority and Groundwater District operating under Chapters 36, 49, and 51 of the State Water Codes. The District is located within the boundaries of Bandera County and within Groundwater Management Area 9. bcragd.org, facebook.com/bcragd, publicinfo@bcragd.org


• BLANCO-PEDERNALES GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (GMA 9): 830-868-9196; 601 W Main St, Johnson City, TX 78636. Responsible for the conservation, preservation, protection and recharge of all groundwater and aquifers within Blanco County. bpgcd.org. Erik Kubinski, General Manager, gm@blancogw.org


• CENTRAL TEXAS GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT: 512-756-4900; 225 S Pierce St, Ste 104, Burnet, TX 78611. centraltexasgcd.org, district@centraltexasgcd.org


• COMAL TRINITY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (GMA 9): 830-885-2130; POB 664, Spring Branch, TX 78070. Serves Comal County. comaltrinitygcd.com, admin@ComalTrinityGCD.com


• COW CREEK GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (GMA 9): 830-816-2504; 201 E San Antonio Ave, Ste 100, and 216 Market Ave, Ste 105, Boerne, TX 78006. Serves Kendall County. ccgcd.org, manager@ccgcd.org


• GILLESPIE COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (GC SWCD): 830-997-3349, ext 3; 1906 N Llano St, #106, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Sponsors educational agricultural events with NRCS, TX AgriLIFE Extension, etc. Hosts web page and writes two newsletters a year. Works with NRCS, Gillespie Co. WCID & Gillespie Prescribed Burn Association. Conservation awards, seed sales, equipment rentals, fish sales, contractors lists. See web for schedule of events. gillespiecountyswcd.org, gillespiecounty@swcd.texas.gov


• HAYS TRINITY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (GMA 9): 512-858-9253; POB 1648, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Our mission is to conserve, preserve, recharge and prevent waste of groundwater within western Hays County. In support of the District's mission, we provide educational materials and information about our water resources. haysgroundwater.com, staff3@haysgroundwater.com


• HEADWATERS GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (GMA 9): 830-896-4110; 125 Lehmann Dr, Ste 102, Kerrville, TX 78028. hgcd.org, hgcd@hgcd.org


• HICKORY UNDERGROUND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT NO. 1: 325-597-2785; 111 E Main St, POB 1214, Brady, TX 78625. Purpose is to conserve, preserve and protect the groundwater within the legal boundaries of the district. hickoryuwcd.org, hickoryuwcd@yahoo.com


• HILL COUNTRY UNDERGROUND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT: 830-997-4472; 508 S Washington St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. District boundaries are coterminous with Gillespie County. The District's was created for the purpose of conserving, preserving, recharging, controlling subsidence, protecting and preventing waste of groundwater in the aquifers, and to implement proper management techniques to address local groundwater conditions within Gillespie County. hcuwcd.org, hcuwcd@austin.rr.com


• KIMBLE COUNTY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT: 325-446-4826; Kimble County Courthouse, 2nd Fl, 501 Main St, POB 31, Junction, TX 76849. kimblecountygcd.org, Meredith Allen, kimblecountygcd@gmail.com


• MEDINA COUNTY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (GMA 9): 830-741-3162; 1607 Ave K, Hondo, TX 78861. medinagwcd.org, gmmcgcd@att.net


• MENARD COUNTY UNDERGROUND WATER DISTRICT: 325-396-3670; POB 1215, Menard, TX 76859


• REAL-EDWARDS CONSERVATION & RECLAMATION DISTRICT: 830-232-5733; POB 1208; 234 Evergreen St, Leakey, TX 78873. recrd.org, manager@recrd.org


• SARATOGA UNDERGROUND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT: 512-556-8271; 501 E 4th St, Ste 103, Lampasas, TX 76550. www.co.lampasas.tx.us/page/lampasas.saratoga


• SOUTHWESTERN TRAVIS COUNTY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (GMA 9):512-276-2875; POB 340595, Austin, TX 78734-0010. swtcgcd.com, generalmanager@swtcgcd.org


• TRINITY GLEN ROSE GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (GMA 9): trinityglenrose.com


• UVALDE COUNTY UNDERGROUND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT: 830-278-8242; 200 E Nopal St, Ste 203, Uvalde, TX 78801. uvaldecountyuwcd.org, ucuwcd@sbcglobal.net

OTHER IMPORTANT GROUNDWATER DISTRICTS & OTHER WATER-RELATED AUTHORITIES IN THE HILL COUNTRY:

• BARTON SPRINGS/EDWARDS AQUIFER CD: bseacd.org


• EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY (EEA): 210-222-2204; 1615 N Saint Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78721. dwardsaquifer.org; Also see: edwardsaquifer.net


• GUADALUPE-BLANCO RIVER TRUST: gbrtrust.org


• GUADALUPE BLANCO RIVER AUTHORITY: 830-379-5822; 933 E Court St, Seguin, TX 78155. gbra.org


• GUADALUPE RIVER: guadaluperiver.org


• LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY (LCRA): 512-473-3200; 3701 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703. lcra.org


• UPPER GUADALUPE RIVER AUTHORITY: 830-896-5445; 125 Lehmann Dr, Ste 100, Kerrville, TX 78028. ugra.org


• NUECES RIVER AUTHORITY: 830-278-6810; 200 E Nopal St, Ste 206, Uvalde, TX 78802. nueces-ra.org

TWDB REGION K, THE LOWER COLORADO REGIONAL WATER PLANNING AREA:

This larger area encompasses parts of 14 counties, stretching from Mills County north of the Hill Country, and southeast to Matagorda County on the Gulf Coast. Most of the region lies within the Colorado River Basin. Major cities in this area include Austin, Bay City, Pflugerville and Fredericksburg. The region’s economy is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, government, manufacturing and retail trade. Hill Country counties include: Burnet, Blanco, Gillespie, Hays (partial), Llano, San Saba, Travis and Williamson (partial). The included counties do not strictly coincide with GMA boundaries. While GMAs primarily focus on groundwater management, Region K encompasses both surface water and groundwater resources. See definition, details, maps and more at: TWDB Region K

WELL DRILLERS & OWNER RESOURCES IN THE HILL COUNTRY & BEYOND:

TEXAS WELL DRILLER'S REPORTS: This database is populated from the online Texas Well Report Submission and Retrieval System (TWRSRS) which is a cooperative Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) application that registered water-well drillers use to submit their required reports. Driller information is also available on this page. Reports that drillers submitted by mail before the inception date are not included in this database, but are available for access on the TCEQ site. Submitted Drillers Reports (SDR) Database

WELL DRILLERS: Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) website (see above) provides ability to search for "Licensed Water Well Drillers/Apprentances". Note: The Drillers' Licenses lists shows a single county at a time, but their licenses are valid throughout Texas. If none are listed for your county, check nearby counties.

WELL WATER OWNER: 855-420-9355. A one-stop resource for information relating to private water well systems and groundwater. Resource scope includes well water basics, maintenance, and water quality and quantity. wellowner.org

NGWA & THE WATER FOUNDATION: 614-898-7791. This resource center will help you learn and teach others about the wonders of GROUNDWATER! Find tools, resources, ideas, and ready-to-go activities to bring to life the magic of groundwater. ngwa.org

See our Portal's focus topic page on water well systems (service companies, background information, resources) at: Water Well Systems and Services

RAIN, DROUGHT & FLOODS IN THE HILL COUNTRY:

See our Portal's focus topic page on: Weather Resources





SEPTIC SYSTEM ALTERNATIVES: enviroalternatives.com/storburn.html

SEPTIC MAINTENANCE: Septic Maintenance

Also see our Portal's focus topic page on septic systems (service companies, background information, resources) at: Septic Systems and Services





NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY OF TEXAS: npsot.org. Promoting research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach and example. A non-profit organization supported by grants, donations and member dues.

NATIVE PLANTS OF SOUTH TEXAS: uvalde.tamu.edu/herbarium/index.htm

PLANTS DATABASE: plants.usda.gov

TAMU VASCULAR PLANT IMAGE GALLERY: csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/gallery.htm

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (NACD) PLANT DATABASE: This site lets you search by common name or scientific name. Type in the common name, click "Common Name" below that, then click on GO. There's also an Image Gallery; you can define search criteria and display search results as thumbnail photos in order by common name. Then clicking on a small photo returns a plant profile with a bigger photo.





GREENBOOK.NET: greenbook.net. An extensive database of chemical product information that you can use to help control unwanted plants. You can search by plant name and the database will list what chemicals you could use. If you need to know more about a specific chemical, you can type it in and search for product info. You need to register with the site to get the detailed information. Some chemicals require a pesticide license.

APPLICATOR'S LICENSE: To get a private applicator's license requires a class, plus later continuing education for license renewals. Call your local Agri-Life Extension office for more information. See hillcountryagrilife.html

TEXAS INVASIVES: texasinvasives.org





OAK WILT INFORMATION: stopoakwilt.com

TEXAS OAK WILT INFORMATION PARTNERSHIP: texasoakwilt.org

Note, see above listed Texas Forest Service listing for Oak Wilt information and assistance.





ACADEMY FOR RANCH MANAGEMENT: ranchmanagement.org. Department of Rangeland Ecology & Management, Texas A&M University

EDWARDS PLATEAU PRESCRIBED BURNING ASSOCIATION: ranchmanagement.org/eppba. Past newsletters downloadable in PDF format, useful links





PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY FROM WILDFIRES: Given the severity of Hill Country droughts, wildfire should be on everyone's mind. Take a good look at your property and what your risk of loss could be if a wildfire were to come through. It behooves each of us to be pro-active in wildfire protection steps. Texas Forest Service has published some guidelines we believe every Property Onr should be aware of and make every effort to follow. txforestservice.tamu.edu. There are local and regional companies that specialize in assessing your property and making recommendations. Some property insurance companies also have contacts with available resources who can help you lessen your risks. Check with your local fire department for a free inspection and advise.

See our Portal's focus topic page on: Weather Resources





AGGIE HORTICULTURE: aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu

GRAZING LAND CONSERVATION INITIATIVE (GLCI): With USDA-NRCS, works to ensure that the Onrs and managers of the 684 million acres of privately owned grazing lands in the United States receive the important attention and increased technical assistance needed to maintain this valuable sustainable resource. GLCI does this by supporting research projects with grants, by providing speakers, organizing field days, and by capturing available knowledge in a statewide database of ecological site descriptions. During FY 2000, land managers received assistance to plan conservation systems on more than 4.6 million acres of private grazing lands. From those plans, landowners applied conservation practices or systems on more than 3.6 million acres.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE: isa-arbor.com

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: 512-463-7476; 1700 N Congress Ave, SF Austin Bldg, Rm 1100A, Austin, TX 78701. agr.state.tx.us

TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION (TAES): College Station: 979-845-5573. taeswww.tamu.edu. Conducts scientific research related to agriculture throughout Texas. In the Edwards Plateau, research is focused on range issues such as forage production, brush control, rangeland ecology, hydrology, prescribed burning, and agricultural economics.

TEXAS TREE PLANTING GUIDE: TexasTreePlanting.tamu.edu





See Portal focus page: Hill Country Outdoors





LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Imagine a place where everything is in its place. A place where the gardens, trails, and architecture celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of the Texas Hill Country. A place where people reconnect with the land and learn to appreciate the natural beauty, economic value, and environmental necessity of native plants. This place is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, in Austin.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING & REGULATION (TDLR): 512-463-6599; 920 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701. license.state.tx.us

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