Conley Receives Groundwater Stewardship Award
Former Hays County Commissioner Will Conley has received the coveted Aquifer Advocate Award conferred by the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District
Wimberley, TX— Former Hays County Commissioner Will Conley has received the coveted Aquifer Advocate Award conferred by the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD). This award is presented every two years to deserving individuals, organizations, or agencies who have invested exemplary effort towards the protection and conservation of water resources in the District.
As Hays County Commissioner, local business owner and resident of Hays County, Conley has been a strong advocate of science-based groundwater management, a proponent for additional monitoring sites to better understand dynamics between the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers, and a political leader in extending groundwater protection in Hays County. He advocates for sustainable use of groundwater.
“Central Texas continues to experience significant growth. With increased demands on our resources, there are some incredible examples of ingenuity that help encourage wise water use, land management, and water quality protection that are worthy of special recognition,” noted BSEACD General Manager John Dupnik. “We are proud to take a moment to turn the focus on those who have been part of the solution – innovative, creative, inspiring, and passionate folks going above and beyond.”
BSEACD President Blayne Stansbrery stated in her remarks, “For his efforts to protect our environment and promote conservation in Hays County, Commissioner Conley is receiving the Aquifer Advocate Award. He has led the county in conservation, which has resulted in thousands of acres of land conserved over aquifer recharge zones providing higher levels of water quality and quantity for our aquifers. In addition, Will led efforts for the District and the County to partner on improving groundwater monitoring. This partnership has resulted in major improvements to our monitoring system which allows us to develop the best possible policy based on science and health of our aquifers “
Board member Mary Stone said, “Will is a talented politician, who cares deeply for our community. I personally witnessed Commissioner Conley’s relentless work at home and at the Capital and know his efforts are a major reason House Bill 3405 “Save our Wells” legislation passed. We now have the ability to protect local land owners from outside special interests, and without his leadership we wouldn’t have the tools needed to protect land owners and our natural resources in Hays County.”
In receiving this award, Will Conley said, “It is an honor to receive this award today. The health of our environment and aquifers is paramount to maintaining high quality of life in Hays County. I am proud of our partnerships and success; however, we have a lot more work to do in the future as our county continues to change.”
Conley served as Hays County Commissioner for Precinct Three from 2004 to 2017. Conley resigned his position to seek the office of Hays County Judge in the 2018 election.
Conley resides in Wimberley with his wife, Erin, and three children. He owns and operates an auto services business with locations in Wimberley and Kyle.
