HCA Press Release - A Conversation about Private Property Rights and Water

Texas Water Symposium

Thursday, October 24^th, 7:00 pm

Schreiner University Campus, Kerrville

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The Texas Water Symposium series will continue October 24^th in Kerrville with a conversation about private property rights and water, moderated by Weir Labatt and featuring Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons, Sharlene Leurig and Garry Merritt. 

As we struggle to meet water resource challenges, what is the proper role that government should play regarding land development and other traditionally unregulated issues, in order to protect stream flows and the private property rights of landowners? All are potentially impacted by water marketing and increased withdrawals from aquifers.

Weir Labatt, the program moderator, currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Schreiner University and Chairman of the Investment Committee of the San Antonio Area Foundation. Weir is a former member of the Texas Water Development Board and the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors.

This interesting and diverse panel includes:

Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons, who has been involved in Texas wildlife conservation for over 30 years, most recently serving as Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.  He has served as Vice-President of the Texas Wildlife Association and is a Director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Sharlene Leurig, Sustainable Water Infrastructure Program at Ceres, a national nonprofit helping institutional investors to integrate sustainability into the capital markets.  Recently Sharlene has been travelling Texas documenting what’s happening to springs for her project and blog, “Hell's Oasis.”

Garry Merritt, who has been serving the citizens of Real County as County Judge since 2011. Gary is also a founder and director of Pioneers Youth Leadership, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that provides leadership and community development for high school students.

Water, essential for life, is our most precious and valuable natural resource.  But water supply is limited and under increasing pressure from a growing population.  How will we protect this resource and plan for a sustainable future?   There is a great need for a water-literate public; decisions being made today have far-reaching and long-lasting effects on our children and future generations.

The Texas Water Symposium Series provides perspectives from policy makers, scientists, water resource experts and regional leaders.  Join us as we explore the complex issues and challenges in providing water for Texans in this century.   Each session is free and open to the public.  The hour-long program begins at 7:00 pm, followed by discussion time with Q&A. 

Texas Public Radio will broadcast this event one week later on Friday, November 1^st         , on KTXI 90.1 FM in Ingram and KVHL 91.7 FM in Llano.  A recording of the program will also be available on the TPR website.

For more information about the Texas Water Symposium Series, visit www.schreiner.edu/water.  To stay informed about future programs, subscribe at www.hillcountryalliance.org .

The Hill Country Alliance is a nonprofit 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.