The Wimberley
Valley Blog 2019
By Stephanie Nestlerode
This morning I had the honor of helping Martha Knies complete her profile for WimberleyValleyWorks, an on-line map of our connections, interests, skills, and resources. It will officially launch on Jan. 20 from 2 to 5 pm at the Wimberley Community Center. What struck me most about her answers is how much Martha loves learning. Surrounded by books and mementos in her office, she recounted stories of fascinating adventures even as she expressed her interest in learning how to operate within social media. We even practiced a little. As part of the survey process, she shared her interest in helping others set up a non-profit – based on her experience in establishing Keep Wimberley Beautiful.
What unfolded was a perfect example of what we hope to make commonplace – the ability to link people up who want to learn a new skill or share ideas on an exciting project. In this case, it’s easy to imagine Martha’s sage advice being transferred to a young aspiring person committed to providing a needed community service. And for a young person to coach Martha on the ins and outs of social media. WimberleyValleyWorks is a key next step for bringing an intergenerational incubator to life – a place to nurture budding ideas and to ensure a robust local economy.
Once the survey was completed, Martha and I moved onto the workshop we are co-hosting with LaDonna Coy, Creating a Life Well Lived on Jan 25th. It’s part of the Wimberley Art and Soul series. The weekend of offerings is a class example of what makes the Wimberley Valley so unique and resilient. We call this the Creative Brew - a unique combination of pioneering spirit, natural beauty, personal connections, artistic flair, and diverse collaborations. Local creations enrich lives, support the economy and serve others. How lucky we are to live in a community that naturally weaves community by threading amazing offerings into a tapestry of fun, food and fellowship!
Will Wimberley Valley become a Sacrifice Zone?
by Stephanie Nestlerode and LaDonna Coy
A sacrifice zone is a geographic area that has been permanently impaired by environmental damage. Kinder Morgan plans to lay a 42" high-pressure gas pipeline across the Valley within or on top of our unique Karst landscape. David Baker, our first responder for environmental assaults, believes this pipeline is the most dangerous threat the Hill Country has ever experienced. The Wimberley Valley Watershed Association identified key risks:
- The pipeline would run within a mile of Jacobs Well, crossing the Blanco River twice.
- The pipeline could impact flows at Jacob's Well, Cypress Creek, the Blanco River, Barton Springs, and the San Marcos Springs. Any spill atop the karst systems would be impossible to clean up. This pipeline could, in one fell swoop, contaminate nearly 2 million people’s water.
- Hundreds of acres of trees and vegetation would be cleared, forever scaring the land and altering habitats of wildlife and endangered species, while risking the spread of Oak Wilt.
- The pipeline would initially transport natural gas. But after ten years could contain crude oil or other dangerous and deadly chemicals.
- Property values would diminish along with opportunities for development.
- Noise and light pollution from compressor stations would degrade our quality of life.
Imagine the Wimberley Valley without Jacob’s Well, Cypress Creek, the Blanco River or precious trees, wildlife and dark skies. How would we ever explain what happened to future generations?
There is no negotiation with Kinder Morgan that could sufficiently protect our water, our environment or our people from this extraordinary threat. Would anyone want to visit the Hill Country with its views scarred by a 150 foot clear cut pathway across the Valley, the loud droning of compressor stations, or the potential for explosions and contamination to our only source of water?
Don’t let the Wimberley Valley become a sacrifice zone. Let us be the people who convince Kinder Morgan that pursuing this route is too risky in terms of cost and public relations. Let us be so creative in putting precious art and organic co-ops in its path that they cannot proceed. Let us spread the word so widely that people from across the world join our efforts. Let us be known for saving our pristine environment. Get involved!
You can help.
There is no action too small. Here’s ten things you can do to make a difference.
- Watch/Listen to the video
- Sign the petition
- Make a contribution to the movement
- Attend pipeline meetings around Hill Country to connect and learn
- Like/comment and share WVWA social media posts
- Post a sign on your property to stop the pipeline
- Place a sign on your car dash so you are making a clear statement everywhere you park.
- Put a bumper sticker on your vehicle
- Communicate with your state representatives
- Learn about and support legislation to stop eminent domain
Wimberley Valley Watershed Association
TREAD Coalition for Land Owner Rights
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