A new land management plan for water quality protection lands located primarily in southwest Travis and northeast Hays counties was approved Dec. 13 in the consent agenda by Austin City Council.

The resolution also repealed the former land management plan, which was put in place in 2001. According to meeting documents, when the 2001 plan was approved, the water quality protection lands were about 15,000 acres. By 2012, that area increased to 26,517 acres in size. The new plan is a science-based plan prepared by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and is intended to enhance quantity and quality of water recharging the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. Other goals outlined in the plan include addressing issues related to ecosystem restoration and incorporating public participation and education into activities.

The management area includes tracts of land around Bull Creek, upper and lower Barton Creek, Slaughter Creek, Bear Creek, Little Bear Creek and Onion Creek.

According to meeting documents, the revised plan was recommended by the City of Austin Environmental Board and was reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Dec. 12.