Question 1

•	Consider strategies such as voluntary, negotiated conservation easements to preserve agricultural lands.

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

•	Prevent damming of seasonal creeks and tributaries that have historically been used for agriculture and livestock.

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

•	Minimize community disruption and impact of traffic from new developments.

Accepted Answer

Planning for new development should consider the impact on traffic and include provision of adequate, safe access to roadways.

Major infrastructure projects, such as highways, can be located to minimize 
 impact to natural infrastructure and enhanced with natural landscaping of the medians and right of way.  These projects offer the opportunity to consider other green space options such as land bridges, that will benefit wildlife and could provide hiking paths.  Roadways and access points can be designed to cluster development and leave larger spaces open spaces.

Question 4

•	Identify and preserve historical and archeological sites and features.

Accepted Answer

Consider due diligence measures that include the identification of historic and archeological sites through archeological survey before planning and design.  Development projects on land or easements owned by political subdivisions and projects involving federal permits or funding are subject to preservation law.  Federal and state laws protecting historic properties or sites require consultation with the Texas Historical Commission (THC).  Review by THC may be required depending on factors such as, the scope of the project, the federal or state agencies involved, and whether historic resources are (or may be) present.  Even if consultation is not required by law, it is encouraged to contact the THC about historic and archeological resources that might be present near your project area.  THC also provides free services to private landowners and private developers wishing to identify and record historic and archeological sites through their Landowner Assistance Program.
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Question 5

•	Promote the history and character of Blanco County.

Accepted Answer

Municipalities should consider ordnances that maintain small town character as development increases.  Clustering, setting aside green space and keeping towns walkable are some of the approaches that could help to achieve this goal.

Ensure development and signage are consistent with the rural character of the county and take the opportunity to highlight historical places when appropriate.   This may be accomplished through design that incorporates elements of rural heritage or interpretive signage and materials.  Avoidance and preservation of significant archeological and historical places can provide opportunities to bring public awareness to Blanco County heritage and can result in community-enhancing park or green space.  Adaptive reuse of historical structures is encouraged and can further enhance the connection with Blanco County heritage.
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Best Practices for Developments and Landowners in Blanco County

• Developers and landowners should identify and protect aquifer recharge features.

• Rainwater harvesting should be used where practical to supplement or replace the need for groundwater and reduce strain on public water systems.

• Sustainable landscaping should be used to promote water capture and minimize irrigation water requirements.

• Minimize or do not discharge treated wastewater into pristine streams and rivers. Consider alternatives, including repurposing gray water for irrigation and use of drain fields. If discharge cannot be avoided, treat to the lowest practically achievable phosphorus levels.

• Maintain healthy riparian habitat along our rivers and streams. Consider setting aside green space along waterways in development plans.

• Avoid clear cutting. In addition to oak trees, many other trees, shrubs and grasses are critical to maintaining a healthy and diverse landscape.

• Prevent damage to oak trees that could cause Oak Wilt.

• Adopt practices to minimize fire risk.

• Conserve open spaces and scenic views and areas of unique beauty and character, from future development using approaches such as establishing more parks and greenways.

• Landowners, businesses, and developers are encouraged to adopt dark sky lighting practices. Subdivisions are also encouraged to adopt dark sky lighting practices in deed restrictions.

• Consider strategies such as voluntary, negotiated conservation easements to preserve agricultural lands.

• Prevent damming of seasonal creeks and tributaries that have historically been used for agriculture and livestock.

• Minimize community disruption and impact of traffic from new developments.

• Identify and preserve historical and archeological sites and features.

• Promote the history and character of Blanco County.