In 1996, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued a Section 10(a) permit under the Endangered Species Act to The Volente Group of Texas, Inc. for the development of a portion of the former D.C. Reed Estate (now subdivided into Northlake Hills, along with other developments such as Ranchland Hills, Lighthouse Estates, Northshore, The Pointe, Long Hollow Estates, and Volente Hills).  This 10(a) permit set certain restrictions on the clearing, development, and use of land within the former Reed Estate.  These restrictions were also adopted into our deed restrictions and Property Owner's Association Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCR's) which were provided to every property owner at the time of their closing.

It is important that every property owner follow these guidelines, as an offense is grounds for civil prosecution of the offending property owner, and to a much greater scale, revocation of the 10(a) permit by the FWS that could make any development in the former Reed Estate illegal.  This could cause each and every landowner to seek an individual 10(a) permit which would be extremely time consuming and costly.

The CCR's which were given to you at the time of closing, clearly address FWS requirements.  Property owners are encouraged to read the language carefully to ensure full compliance with the regulations. The key point to remember is clearing of properties between the following dates is prohibited:

MARCH 1ST AND SEPTEMBER 1ST OF EVERY YEAR

In addition to the FWS regulations, the removal of certain trees within the entire Northlake Hills development is subject to recently adopted City of Jonestown ordinances.  The CCR's, which were given to you at the time of closing, make reference to City of Jonestown restrictions for removal of trees; however this reference is not up to date with current Jonestown city Code.  Currently, removal of hardwoods greater than a certain diameter or mature Juniper Ash (also known as Cedar) greater than a certain diameter, is restricted at all times of the year and remedies apply for non-conformance.  Property owners must consult with City of Jonestown's staff to acquire the proper authorizations and permits.

Since any violation of the FWS 10(a) permit may adversely effect the Northlake Hills development as a whole, the Northlake Hills Property Owners Association requires each property owner to make application with the POA's Architectural Control Committee (ACC) and the City of Jonestown for formal approval prior to any lot clearing activities  Please contact the current POA president, Mike Grant, at (512)627-3455 for further details.

Article provided by:  The Northlake Hills POA

On behalf of LCRA, I want to thank everyone who participated in the community conversations about water supply this summer. Your input has helped shape the types of water supplies that LCRA will study in our effort to plan for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

More than 220 people attended three community conversations about water supply held in Burnet, Wharton and Austin. These were unique opportunities for neighbors to sit down together and discuss their values about water supply and wishes for future generations. Also, nearly 500 interested stakeholders participated in the process through our Web site. 

In all, participants suggested 189 water supply options and gave more than 150 values that they hold regarding water supply. LCRA staff has compiled and analyzed the public input. The three water supply options mentioned most often were conservation, desalination and reuse. The values that were mentioned most often were clean water, protection of the environment, recreation and lifestyle, and availability. 

I gave a report to the LCRA Board of Directors about the public input this month. We reviewed the list of water supply options that LCRA will study in our long-term plan, the Water Supply Resource Plan. To review a copy of this list or to learn more about the planning process, please visit our Web site at www.lcra.org/watersupply  

LCRA is preparing the Water Supply Resource Plan so we will have a roadmap for how to meet needs for water in the future. The plan will show how much water is available and when and where it can be provided in the future. 

Today, LCRA�s customers rely on the Highland Lakes and water rights that allow water to be taken from the lower Colorado River. All of LCRA�s water supplies provide ample water for today�s needs -- even during times of drought. As our population and businesses grow, we will need to pursue additional water supplies. That�s why LCRA is pursuing this planning effort now, so we can support vibrant, healthy and growing communities for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We truly appreciate everyone�s participation and input. Your ideas have contributed greatly to the process. We will have a draft Water Supply Resource Plan prepared by spring 2009 and will ask for your review and feedback.

James Kowis is the manager of water supply planning for LCRA. He has worked on water planning issues throughout the state during his 30-year career in public service. 

In Section I, Tim and Betty Parston are ready to move in.  They have built a beautiful lakefront home on Crystal Cove.  Also, Bill and Terri Goins have just recently moved into their new home.  Bill subcontracted this home himself.  I do not envy him.

Between Section I and Harbor Drive, there is a single house owned by Sherry Short.  I refer to her home as " The Little House on the Prairie".  She laughed when I told her what I had dubbed her house.

On Harbor Drive, Mike Grant just moved into his new lakefront home.   He has a huge backyard with majestic oaks on it.  It is a beautiful piece of property.

Several properties are either completed or are under construction behind Gate II.  The Coldicotts have a newly renovated home just inside the gate on the left.  Henry and Cathy Mayes have a house under construction right next door.  The house at the top of the hill was acquired by the Hanrahans and the one just beyond that was recently completed and moved into by Steve and Terri Smith.  Moving on down the hill, we get to Carl Pool's mansion on the hill.  At 12,000 sq. ft. it is a magnificent home, which is to be completed after the first of the year.  Tony and Vanessa Bloom completed their new home and are enjoying their pool and new lake view -- wait a sec - do we still have a lake view or is it now a "creek" view  ;o).

Down and around the corner into Section III, we get to the new Lott home that is currently in its final phases of construction.  A beautiful home nestled down in the trees will offer them some real fun if the water ever gets back up to normal.

In Section IV, The Ellis family has moved into their new home.  They own Austin Cabinets so I am sure they have some awesome interior woodwork. 

There are other homes in the works being built by Johnson Construction. Also, Silverton owns several lots that he plans to build on as well.

Looks like we will be having lots of new neighbors to socialize with going forward!  Take some time and get acquainted if you have not already done so.

Article provided by:  Rod Schaffner

For more information, regarding dock fees, you can contact Carl Pool at 249-9252 (office) or 656-5087 (cell).

Article provided by:  Rod Schaffner