December Ridgerunner
WPOA meeting offers some good news, some bad news and a little no news
Good news
Traffic patrols are now in full swing on our streets and the Sheriff’s office reports that within the last few weeks, 72 citations have been issued to drivers.
Additional stop signs (four way) will be placed at Woodacre, Wood-glen and Country Place streets in an effort to slow traffic as it enters Woodcreek North from Jacob’s Well Road.
The large pile of brush that had been stored on land near the intersection of Pleasant Valley and Crazy Cross Roads has been turned into mulch and is available free of charge for any residents who would like to have it.
The Road Committee will be meeting soon to work on plans for 2009 maintenance work. A budget for next year will be prepared. For the balance of this year, emergency roadwork will continue to be done as needed. Reports of problems such as downed street signs and potholes will be addressed immediately.
Bad News
Work continues on the entrance to our area at Valley Spring and RM 2325. Completion date is unknown.
As drought conditions continue and worsen, the call has gone out to all of us in the Wimberley Valley to make every effort to conserve water.
No news
Although the mailing regarding the unified deed restrictions vote indicated ballots should be returned to the office by November 15, according to information offered at the recent WPOA general meeting, votes are still being collected in the matter Ballots and copies of the deed restrictions were mailed earlier this fall.
Board members indicated that every effort will be made to let property owners have a chance to return their ballots and that, if necessary, there may even be a door-to-door effort in all sections to encourage participation.
City to join with environmental organizations to seek comprehensive water plan
At a recent meeting of the Wimberley City Council, members heard from and discussed with representatives of the Hays Trinity Groundwater District and the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association the need for plans to deal with drought conditions such as those currently being encountered, restrictions on water use for landscaping and the problem of growth in the area as it affects the availability of water. Representing the Groundwater District, Andrew Backus spoke about ongoing efforts to protect our sole source of water in the Wimberley Valley area and the desire of the District to work with all stakeholders in the area. A “triggering” plan that would set into motion water conservation measures as conditions required was one of the subjects Backus explained to the council. Representing The Wimberley Valley Watershed Association, David Baker presented information concerning the growing pressure on the aquifer from Wimberley’s expanding population coupled with increasing sources of pollution that are endangering both the flow and water quality of Jacob’s Well and Cypress Creek. In his remarks, District 5 representative Jack Hollon noted that area communities must come together in planning for conservation measures and that a regional effort is the first step toward protecting our unique and beautiful home.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
The Wimberley Valley is comprised of thirteen different watersheds that flow into the larger Guadalupe-Blanco River basin. A ridge or other elevated land area separates one watershed from another. When it rains, water flows overland and into our creeks and streams. The Blanco River, Lone Man Creek, Cypress Creek and an assortment of other spring fed streams – all supported by an intricate ground water system – bless our valley. Everything that happens in the watershed affects water quality. Jacob’s Well is a perpetual artesian spring, pumping thousands of gallons of fresh water per minute to form Cypress Creek. Considered a sacred place by native Americans and the heart of Wimberley by early settlers, today Jacob’s Well supports a habitat rich in wildlife and plant life, including several endangered species.
The, WVWA is creating the JACOB’S WELL PRESERVE to protect the land around the well and to educate our community about management practices that will sustain this invaluable natural resource. Jacob’s Well is a critical regional discharge point of the Trinity Aquifer, long-term continuous real-time water quantity and quality monitoring is needed to evaluate the impact population has on our ground water.