Conservation
“The Colorado River Conservancy is a coalition of community stakeholders organized for the protection, preservation and restoration of one of Austin’s most precious natural resources: the wild green stretch of the Lower Colorado River that runs from East Austin’s Longhorn Dam to the Travis County Line. Through community & Indigenous led efforts, we are redefining what conservation looks like. ”
Co-founder of the Colorado River Conservancy
Building a framework for community and Indigenous led conservation efforts in Central Texas and a plan for sustainable development and the ecological restoration on 3,000 acres of land
Led advocacy and outreach efforts to establish partnerships with 25 community alongside the river members, 27 local environmental organizations, and businesses to create a development plan around the Colorado River in the East Side of Austin that centers conservation, preservation, restoration
Trained 50 community members to conduct monthly water quality testing to determine pollution and contamination
Leading coordination with the City of Austin’s watershed department to address pollution from waste treatment plant, lack of clean water in 3 areas, and coordination of health surveys about pollution from aggregate mining operations
Acquired partnership with RESET Lab to conduct air quality monitoring alongside the river
Utilizing a participatory approach provide research and analysis on local, state, and federal policies and proposals to address unjust environmental and social burdens faced by BIPOC communities, coordinating analysis with staff and programs as well as external partner and allies
Develop strong and collaborative relationships externally with government agencies, partner organizations, coalitions, Congressional staffers, key committee members, and other stakeholders to advance shared goals
Coordinate meetings with Tesla to address local pollution, toxic dumping in the river, and stormwater management concerns
Passed local resolution protecting creeks in East Austin
Worked with the Texans For Aggregate Mining Regulation Coalition to change state law, Texas is one of 7 states without any comprehensive mining regulations including EIAs and reclamation
Photos of the Colorado River and nearby pollution, Alexia Leclercq, August 2021
