Neighbors working together to protect and preserve the natural beauty of life in the bandera canyonlands
Our mission:
The Bandera Canyonlands Alliance (BCA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that exists to support landowners working together to share resources, knowledge, and experiences for the benefit of the land, water, native plants & animals, and the rural way of life in the Bandera Canyonlands.
Bandera Canyonlands area
The Bandera Canyonlands are located within the Edwards Plateau region of Texas and consists of Bandera, Uvalde, and Real Counties. The area is regarded as one of the most scenic and biologically rich spots in Texas anchored by the world-renowned Lost Maples State Natural Area.
Pristine, crystal-clear water bubbles up from countless springs and groundwater seeps along the riverbanks and canyon walls in this part of Texas feeding pristine creeks and rivers. The Upper Sabinal River is so pure that it’s been designated as one of the last remaining stream segments in the state that remains pristine. The headwaters of the Nueces River Basin are contained in the region and the Sabinal Canyon is within the sensitive contributing zone for the Edwards Aquifer which provides drinking water for more than a million Texans. Water availability and conservation are top concerns among those in the area. Most landowner water wells are in the Trinity Aquifer, but many tap into the complex and sensitive underground network of spring flows for drinking water.
The Wildlife & sensitive Ecosystem
The varied elevations, geology, soil, and moisture conditions in the area create a variety of habitats beneficial to unique vegetation and wildlife. The region is well known for a fall display of color from Bigtooth Maple trees, Spanish Oaks, and Flaming Sumac along with other trees and plants that accent the canyon walls. Towering Cypress trees line the banks of many of the rivers and creeks as they have for hundreds of years. The Bandera Canyonlands is also home to three federally endangered species, including the Golden Cheeked Warbler, recently de-listed Black Capped Vireo, and Tobusch Fishhook Cactus, as well as other species of fish, salamanders, invertebrates, and plants. In fact, the Lost Maples Natural Area publishes a checklist that includes more than 200 birds that can be spotted at various times during the year in the park and throughout the region — making this a world-famous destination for birdwatchers and naturalists.
Recreation
The area is visited each year by thousands of nature enthusiasts who come to enjoy the scenery, birdwatching, hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and hunting. Many camping and lodging properties provide overnight accommodations. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is the centerpiece of the region, but other State Parks are nearby including Garner State Park and the Hill Country Natural Area. Visitors to the area provide critical support to many unique local restaurants, shops, and other businesses that drive the local economy.
Goals of
The bca:
The BCA is organized and operated to support, protect and preserve the ecological systems that support the biodiversity, water resources, natural beauty and rural way of life in the Bandera Canyonlands for future generations.
Specific activities of the Organization support the following:
Conservation and enhancement of native plants and wildlife with a focus on maximizing native biodiversity.
Protection and preservation of the abundance and quality of water resources.
Promotion of “best practices” for Ashe Juniper (AKA Mountain Cedar) management.
Enhancement and maintenance of landscape integrity.
Education of members and the public on the benefits of good land stewardship in general and on conservation matters in the Bandera Canyonlands in particular.
Current Activities:
Many BCA members manage their properties for the benefit of wildlife and songbirds, some under the direction of a Wildlife Tax Exemption. Primary activities include brush management, prescribed fire, feral hog control, and white-tailed deer management.
“The Bandera Canyonlands are home to some of the largest remaining expanses of habitat for the golden-cheeked warbler, as well as important populations of the black-capped vireo and a federally endangered plant, Tobusch fishhook cactus (Ancistrocactus tobuschii).”
— David Wolfe, (Senior Scientist/Environmental Defense)
Let’s meet up in real life to share in the beauty of the natural world.
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