TREAD News & Updates
December 2020 Edition
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Executive Director Update |
Hello and Happy Holidays!
I hope you are enjoying a nice holiday season even if this year looks a little different. TREAD wrapped up programming for the year with three TREAD Talks and is planning a full program for 2021. We are also gearing up for the 87th legislative session and look forward to advocating for you and the issues that matter to you most. Although next year will be different from past sessions, we anticipate the legislature getting to work on shaping sound policy. In this newsletter, you will find a poll to fill out on landowner issues. In addition, we have a year end update on Monday, Dec. 21st that I hope you’re all able to join. We’ve also included past TREAD Talks in case you missed them.
Last but not least, we reflect back on this year and through the difficulties, we have seen great strength in the support from each of you as a Member, a donor, and an advocate for landowners all across Texas. There are lawsuits still in the courts addressing eminent domain, the protection of our endangered species and natural resources, like water. We have built up our partnerships, our Membership, and our funding. TREAD is poised and ready to work on making positive policy changes and continue the fight for private property rights. Please consider year-end donations to our cause and don’t forget to renew your Membership. We are grateful for each and every one of you – here’s to a new year and a new opportunity to make change.
Sincerely,
Jessica
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Lawsuit against the Texas Railroad Commission
December 16th at 1:30pm
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In November, Kinder Morgan filed a motion asking the Court of Appeals to dismiss the case as moot on the grounds that they have already completed the pipeline. The Court has requested that the plaintiffs file a response and that was received by the Court on November 30. The plaintiffs do not think the case is moot because if correct, the condemnation was unconstitutional and the pipeline installation constitutes a trespass. Click here to watch the oral argument.
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December 17th - TREAD Member Update Meeting
You are cordially invited to a Zoom meeting at 3pm on December 21st, to get an update on TREAD’s grassroots work and educational programming over the past year. As well, we will be discussing the 87th legislative session in 2021 and how you can be involved. This is an exciting time for landowner advocacy and we hope you can participate.
Save this information to join us!
Meeting ID: 896 3452 8374
One tap mobile:
+13462487799,,89634528374# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,89634528374# US (Tacoma)
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What are your concerns for the upcoming legislative session?
Landowner Survey and Issue Poll
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We invite you to fill out this survey and issue poll so we may learn more about you, the land you steward, and issues of concern. This will allow us to property track bills that are filed and know what to follow during the next legislative session. Click here, and fill out the survey!
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The TREAD Talk Series
Missed our recent conversations on water use, mineral rights, and eminent domain reform? No worries! Click the buttons below to watch the experts in the fields give their opinion upon these topics and their impact upon the Texan landscape and legislature.
And, stay tuned for information on our upcoming TREAD Talks!
January – May 2021
- Ranching and Heritage in Texas: our partners, including the Big Bend Conservation Alliance, will be discussing ranching, it’s heritage and what ranching looks like for future generations.
- Texas Tourism: TREAD will host a panel discussion on the tourism in Texas and how it is being promoted for exploring and experiencing Texas in a new way.
- Texas Tasting Room: join TREAD and other partners as we discuss the booming beer, wine and spirits industries.
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The Founding Members Program |
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Since the formation of TREAD, the organization has more than 600 Members from across the state, a growing list of partners and our visibility and reach has expanded to thousands through outreach, social media, news coverage and advocacy. With the demands of our growth, we need to build out our infrastructure; and to support this growth, we have established a Founding Members Program. The program offers a range of benefits at different member levels, so click the button to the side and explore what you can do with your advocacy! |
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THE TREAD COALITION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Did you know that the TREAD Coalition is made of three separate entities? Although we are classified 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6), we are organizers of our own political action committee- commonly referred to as the TREADPAC. The TREADPAC was organized for the purpose of providing financial support to Texan candidates who explicitly support the various missions that TREAD advocates for including conservation, property rights, water, eminent domain, and more. The efforts of providing fiscal benefits to like-minded candidates despite their political affiliations allow the professionals at the TREAD Coalition to educate Texas legislators, government officials, and our partners about the many issues that landowners face in overcoming unjust policy.
By contributing to the TREADPAC, your support is directly applied toward the various initiatives our political actors are working to fulfill on the behalf of all landowners.
TREAD is a voice of reason representing landowners at the Capitol. We're strong and we're thriving, but in today's political world, we also have to be involved. Take action with the TREADPAC today, as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session!
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TREAD Coalition
11601 W. Hwy 290
Suite A101-369
Austin, TX 78737
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TREAD Education Foundation
11601 W. Hwy 290
Suite A101-368
Austin, TX 78737
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TREAD PAC
11601 W. Hwy 290
Suite A101-378
Austin, TX 78737
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Congratulations to Patricia Graham for winning the 2020 TREAD Calendar Contest and a $50 VISA Gift Card!
Both of these submissions depict the sunsets of Goliad County. On behalf of TREAD, we would like to thank everyone for their submissions and helping us showcase our beautiful Texas rural landscapes, wildlife, and waters. Stay tuned to find out where you can purchase this calendar among other TREAD merchandise!
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The Impact of the TREAD Membership |
As a Member of TREAD, you join a collective of landowners committed to preserving and protecting landowner rights and advocating on behalf of landowner issues. This includes participating in the political process. We work to share your story with legislators, help raise money and awareness on the issues and deliver effective messages to our representatives and other governing bodies. TREAD is your voice in the public and at the Legislature on issues that matter most.
Now, more than ever, it is necessary to make further improvements in the legislative concerns we share. As we continue to facilitate conversations with your legislators and other governing bodies about how they can best advocate for their constituents, your voice is being heard. By choosing to renew your membership or join the advocacy, you ensure a range of benefits including personal invitations to special events, updated information on happenings around the state, newsletters, call to actions and more.
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According to the TCEQ, 2,622 wastewater treatment plants across the state are allowed to dump treated wastewater into our waterways, and 49,500 are allowed to dump treated wastewater across the country. 631 cities, towns and villages have been given permission to do this, including the Liberty Hill Wastewater Treatment Plan. Environmentalists and downstream residents have been fighting for years to local municipalities about the destruction of the Blanco River and the beautiful Hill Country. Read More
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According to a Trust for Public Land analysis, on Election Day, voters approved nearly $3.7 billion in new funding for parks, climate resiliency, and public lands. Following on the heels of unprecedented increases in visitation to public lands -- from neighborhood parks to national parks -- during the COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 election gave voters in 48 jurisdictions throughout the country an opportunity to weigh in on the value of outdoors spaces to their quality of life. Read More
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The environmental organization examined pollutant monitoring data that was self-reported to state environmental regulators by 48 municipal sewage treatment plants in a 17-county region that includes the Hill Country and found that more than 80% had dumped unauthorized pollutants into area streams on at least one occasion in the past three years — although some reported doing so more frequently. "...treated wastewater often makes up a large part of the stream volume below a treatment plan. This can harm both the streams, and the aquifers they replenish." Read More
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