Texas Land & Water Conference

By Lauren Stucky

Texas Landowners Council will hold its first Texas Land & Water Conference on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 10:30 am to 4 pm at the Boerne Convention and Community Center, 820 East Adler Street. 

This event is designed to educate landowners about the need for legislation to curb eminent domain abuse and protect groundwater rights. Speakers have been at the forefront of state legislative activity on behalf of Texas property rights organizations for many years.

Stephen I. Adler of Barron & Adler LLP in Austin represents landowners in takings cases. He is one of the most experienced eminent domain attorneys in the state and has tried cases in front of the Texas Supreme Court.  From 1995 to 1998, he served as chair of the American Bar Association Real Property Section Condemnation Committee.

A sixth generation rancher, Tom Beard serves as president of Leoncita Cattle Company in Alpine. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Davis Mountains Trans-Pecos Heritage Association and the chairman of both the Far West Texas Water Planning Group and the Brewster County Groundwater Conservation District.

Trey J. Blocker practices eminent domain law at Jackson Walker LLP in Austin, and represents Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association at the state legislature. Blocker was an assistant to Governor George W. Bush, legislative director for several state representatives and chief of staff and general counsel for State Senator Craig Estes. He is a descendant of early Texas cattlemen and trail drivers.

Billy Howe serves as the State Legislative Director for Texas Farm Bureau in Austin. Before representing Farm Bureau, he worked as a legislative aide and chief committee clerk in the Texas House of Representatives from 1993 to 1999.  

David K. Langford is a professional conservationist with expertise in water and eminent domain issues. He is the Executive Director Emeritus for Texas Wildlife Association in San Antonio. He operates Laurels Ranch in Comfort, which his family has owned since 1851. Langford serves on the South Central Texas Water Planning Group and is an award-winning nature photographer.

Register by Friday, Dec. 21, for discounted admission. Registration includes lunch catered by Hungry Horse Restaurant. 

For registration form or more information, visit www.texaslandownerscouncil.com or call 512-892-1802.