On May 24, a group of volunteers is meeting at the La Reata community park to cut down approximately 10 dead trees.  It will require about 8-10 volunteers to accomplish this task.   The work will begin about 9:00 AM and should be completed by early afternoon.  This task will require several chain saws, so when you volunteer, please let us know when responding, if you are able to bring a saw with you.   All volunteers are responsible for their own safety and should wear appropriate safely gear such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection and work boots.  Please respond through email to the BOD president at: president.laraataranch@gmail.com if you are volunteering for this community project.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.  Present were Cliff Coons, Dennis Koch, Michele Rowcroft, Betsey Sterling, and Deb Wilson.

2. Open Session:

a. Minutes from the January, 2012 meeting were approved. 

b. Financials.  Dennis Koch presented financial information.

 Tax Return (Form 1128H) for 2011 was reviewed & signed.

Request for change of Registered Agent to Cliff Coons in 2012

was submitted to Dennis.  

c. Committee Activity – ACC, Communications, Welcome

ACC – No report.

Communications – Fire Safety, Minutes from the BOD (Jan & Dec), & Welcome page updates were posted this month.

Welcome –  Keeping ‘Welcome Page’ on website updated with local parks & services. Emails sent to new residents.

d. On Going Issues:

Front Entrance Landscape & Water – Working to develop landscape plan using lower maintenance, less water consumption options.

CCR Revision Committee – Committee has been chartered.  First meeting took place the end of Jan.  Will status later this year on charter & guidelines which were provided.

Feral Hogs - Richard is working on contacts for eradicating the feral hogs in La Reata. 

e. New Business:

Fence Repair at the Park – Replacing 34 posts. Cliff will take the lead & request volunteers.  Will cost approx. $600.  Approved.

Lawn Maintenance Contract – Renewal for 2012 is approved.

POA Spring Meeting – Scheduled & Invitations have been sent out.

3. Closed Session

4. Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm 

For a printer friendly version: BOD Meeting Minutes_0220_Rev2

1. Call to order:

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Present were Cliff Coons, Dennis Koch, Richard Jondron, Michele Rowcroft, Betsey Sterling, and Deb Wilson.

2. Open Session:

a. The minutes for the December 2012 were approved.

b. Financials. Dennis Koch presented financial information. Budget for 2012 will be submitted in the March meeting. Statements for POA dues will go out Jan. 31st with fliers for Spring POA meeting. Will include a request for a voluntary contribution to the 3-n-1 VFD.

c. Committee Activity – ACC, Communications, Welcome

i. ACC – Approved request for construction at corner of Wrangler & Campfire.

ii. Communications – Each member of the BOD will submit a Bio to committee for posting. Blog postings will be archived. Minutes for 2011 will be archived after the Feb BOD meeting. Posting on website will go up with an expiration date.

iii. Welcome – Budget $200 for newcomers welcome gifts.

d. On Going Issues:

1) Roll off Bins – don’t see a benefit for the whole neighborhood. Not something POA should sponsor.

2) Front Entrance Landscape & Water – Board will work with current landscape contractor to develop landscape plan going forward. Board will develop long term water source to support landscaping.

3) Security System – Drop this. Don’t feel we can get any bang for the buck.

4) CCR Revision Committee – Approved proposed committee charter & guidelines. Will contact volunteers.

e. New Business:

i. Feral Hogs – Vice President will work with homeowner to evaluate options to eradicate the hogs in La Reata.

3. Closed Session:

i. Fire Rules – President will reiterate/confirm rules on outdoor burning in response to complaint. Will respond back.

4. Adjournment

a. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

For a printer friendly version click here:BOD_Meeting_Minutes_0109[1]2

Welcome to La Reata Ranch, a growing community of approximately 70 homes. We are situated on heavily wooded lots which were once part of a 1,000 + acre ranch. We’re glad you’ve joined us. We hope you find the information on this page useful.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the information contained below, please contact our welcome committee.  We are here to facilitate your transition to La Reata.

Our mailing address is 297 Corral, Smithville, Texas 78957

Board of Directors & Committees

Our Board of Directors are elected annually and are comprised of three individuals, the president, vice president and Secretary/Treasurer. They can be reached at the via the website contact page should you need any assistance.

The following committees are appointed by the board of directors to facilitate with portions of the POA business: Architectural Control, Communications, Welcome.  Should you require their assistance, please reference our contact page

Please advise the Board of any change to your mailing address or contact information by email or via regular mail @ 297 Corral, Smithville, Texas 78957

NEWS AND PUBLICATIONS

The La Reata Ranch Roundup news and information is updated regularly on the LRR website. Please visit our news section for upcoming events and meetings.

If you would like to receive emails regarding community events or messages from the POA Board of Directors, please email our communications committee to be added to the list.

PARK AND NATURE TRAIL

Park Location: 297 Corral, Smithville, TX

Gate code: Please contact a member of the board or welcome committee for the most current gate access code.

Park Amenities: Nature Trail, picnic tables, BBQ grills, sand volleyball court, basketball hoop, playscape and pond. No restroom facilities or electricity available.

Nature trail public access: at the back of the park, Wrangler and Dos Cortes, near the mailbox and Corral cul-de-sac. Length is approximately 1.5 miles. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the Nature Trail.

THE COMMUNITIES OF BASTROP & SMITHVILLE

Smithville Chamber of Commerce  http://www.smithvilletx.org/

101 West First Street, Smithville  512.237.2313

Bastrop Chamber of Commerce http://bastropchamber.com/

927 Main Street, Bastrop   512.303.0558 

Smithville Recreation Center http://www.ci.smithville.tx.us/PARD.aspx

360 Gazely, Smithville  512.360.3338

Smithville Library http://www.ci.smithville.tx.us/Public-Library.aspx

507 Main Street,  Smithville 512.237.2707 

Bastrop Library    http://www.bastroplibrary.org/

1100 Church Street, Bastrop  512.321.5441

NEWSPAPERS

Smithville Times 512.237.4655

Bastrop Advertiser 512.321.6444

Austin American Statesman 512.445.4040

EMERGENCY & MEDICAL INFORMATION

**For all emergencies, dial 911**

3-N-1 Volunteer Fire Department 512.237.2893  http://www.3n1vfd.org/

Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, 200 Jackson St, Bastrop  512.303.1080

Bastrop Emergency Services District  www.bastropesd1.com

Seton Smithville Regional Hospital 512.237.3214

800 East Highway 71 Smithville

http://www.srhnet.com/

Bastrop Medical Clinic, P.A. 512.308.1555

Minor Emergency Center

195 S. Hasler Boulevard, Bastrop

SMITHVILLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Mascot: Tigers    Colors: Black and Orange    District: 3A    Administration: 512.237.2487    www.smithvilleisd.org

Brown (Primary K-2) 512.237.2519

Smithville Elementary (3-5) 512.237.2406

Smithville Junior High (6-8) 512.237.2407

Smithville High (9-12) 512.237.2451

FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

The POA does not endorse or receive compensation from any organizations or businesses listed below. This list is provided for informational purposes only.

Giggle N Jump 1102 College St., Bastrop 512.321.5867 www.gigglenjump.com

Sugar Shack 114 Loop 150 W, Bastrop 512.321.3777 www.sugarshackbastrop.com

Public Library – Story Time  http://www.bastroplibrary.org/news-events/lib-cal 

Bastrop YMCA 512.332.8805  www.austinymca.org/branches/loc.php?loc=12

The Dinosaur Park  http://www.thedinopark.com/

The Capital of Texas Zoo  http://www.capitaloftexaszoo.org/

Bastrop State Park & Pool  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/bastrop/

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm http://www.elginchristmastreefarm.com/

La Grange Dairy Farm  http://www.texasjersey.com/

Bastrop Roller Skating  http://bastropskate.weebly.com/index.html

Splashway Park http://www.splashwaywaterpark.com/

Bastrop Youth Soccer  http://www.bastropsoccer.org/

Parks:

2 state parks: Buescher and Bastrop,

LCRA parks: Mckinney Roughs, Lake Bastrop,  the Colorado River Canoe Trail

Fisherman's Park & Riverwalk-  located behind the Bastrop Public Library at 1200 Willow Street, Bastrop

Bob Bryant Park – located at the corner of Schaefer & Charles Blvd in Riverside Grove Subdivision

James H. Long Railroad Park & Museum -  located at 100 NW 1^st Street, Smithville

UTILITIES AND LOCAL SERVICES

The POA does not endorse, receive compensation or warranty the following service providers. The guide is provided as a convenience to you.

Electric:

Bluebonnet Electrical Co-Op  1.800.842.7708 

www.bluebonnetelectric.coop

Garbage Pick-up:

Allied Waste 512.247.5647 www.disposal.com

Lonestar 512.321.3211 www.lonestardisposal.net

Donnie Stark 512.321.2643

Postal Services:

Smithville Post Office 400 N. Main Street  512.237.2350 (Mailbox keys picked up here)

Bastrop Post Office 1106 Main Street  512.303.1014

Rosanky Post Office 2024 FM 535  512.237.2914

CITY, STATE AND COUNTY INFORMATION

La Reata is located in Bastrop County

County Commissioner

Clara Beckett, Precinct 2,  804 Pecan, Bastrop 512.360.2764 

http://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/

County Tax Assessor

Linda Harmon, 804 Pecan,  Bastrop 512.332.7261

www.bastroptac.com

Bastrop Central Appraisal District (BCAD)

209 Jackson St.,  Bastrop 512.303.1930

www.bastropcad.org

Bastrop County Courthouse

804 Pecan, Bastrop  512.303.2579

Texas Department of Public Safety

806 Walnut, Bastrop  512.303.1080

http://www.onlinedmv.com/locator/onlinedmv/bastrop_county_tax_office_information-tx-789.html

Police Departments

Bastrop: 104 Grady Tuck, Bastrop 512.321.5550 

Smithville: 105 NW 4th, Smithville 512.237.3228

Fire Departments

3-N-1 Volunteer Fire Department 512.237.2893** (responds to La Reata area)

Smithville Volunteer Fire Department 512.237.2229

Bastrop Fire Department 512.321.5550

**In accordance with La Reata's CCRs, all residents must notify the local fire department and have an adequate water supply before you burn on your property.

Thank you for keeping our community safe.

*In the event of an evacuation, please make sure to turn off the propane gas to your house, should you have a tank on your property. Help keep La Reata safe!

*As many of you noticed, a large amount of ash rained down on us during the Bastrop fires. A contractor pointed out that many of our air-conditioning compressor screens on the outside a/c units have accumulated some ash and dust. Use a garden hose and clean any ash from the outside compressor screens. For best results, spray from top to bottom. This should help keep your unit operating efficiently.

*If you are interested in brushing up on tips for saving lives and property from wildfires, please visit: http://www.firewise.org/

Thank you!
Board of Directors
La Reata Ranch

We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout for this year’s neighborhood clean-up! Our volunteers collected 15-20 bags of trash from our streets and common areas, including the strangest piece of debris, a black bumper near Pony Express and Corral. The clean-up crews must have worked up an appetite because all 48 hot dogs were devoured at the picnic and social gathering Carole organized at the park. With temperatures topping near 100 degrees we are honored to have such a wonderful group of neighbors that braved the heat to help keep our community clean. Thank you all for your help and a special thanks to Carole Thomas for putting this all together!

Background

The La Reata Ranch Subdivision consists of approximately 1,100 acres of mixed woodlands and improved pastureland. It is located within the unique Lost Pines of Texas area consisting of the western extension of loblolly pine forests into the Post Oak/Blackland Prairie habitat of central Texas. The woodlands are comprised mainly of loblolly pine, post oak, blackjack oak, and eastern red cedar. Other woody (or brush) species include yaupon and American beauty berry. There are diverse habitats with topography including hills, gradual to steep ravines, woodlands, grass clearings, and creek riparian habitats. Soils consist of mixes of clay and sand to sandy loam. A wide variety of wildflowers and grasses are supported by these soils including:

• Bluebonnets
• Winecups
• Primroses
• Indian paintbrush
• Coreopsis
• Indian blanket
• Foxglove
• Purple asters
• Brown-eyed Susans
• Bluestem grasses

This mix of habitat types results in a very diversified wildlife community in the La Reata Subdivision. Numerous game and non-game animals use this area including but not limited to:

• whitetail deer
• turkey
• foxes
• bobcats
• mourning doves
• red-shouldered hawks
• Cooper’s hawks
• fox squirrels
• raccoons
• skunks

Even more impressive is the number of birds both migratory and non-migratory that are present including some important neo-tropical migrants. A partial list includes:

• pileated woodpeckers
• painted buntings
• blue buntings
• summer tanagers
• yellow-billed cuckoos
• American robins
• cedar waxwings
• cardinals
• black and white warblers
• pine warblers
• Carolina chickadees
• tufted titmice
• red-bellied woodpeckers
• bluebirds
• pine siskins
• cedar waxwings
• American goldfinches
• chipping sparrows
• ruby-throated hummingbirds
• buff-bellied hummingbirds

The many spring and fall wildflowers and flowering bushes support a large variety of butterflies. Other types of wildlife like lizards and snakes are also abundant and diverse.

La Reata Ranch Wildlife Management & Guidelines

In recognition of the desire to maintain a wildlife friendly atmosphere and practices in the La Reata Ranch Subdivision the Property Owners Association Board of Directors designated the subdivision a wildlife sanctuary. While this designation does not place any new requirements on the landowners, it recognizes the portions of the CCRs and By-laws that promote wildlife friendly actions (as example, no hunting is allowed in the POA and fences are restricted to allow the passage of wildlife). The POA Wildlife Committee, which does not currently exist, was asked to develop wildlife management guidelines to assist members with managing their properties to maintain healthy wildlife habitats. Landowners are not required to follow these guidelines but they were developed to provide information on wildlife friendly actions landowners could implement.

These guidelines were developed to provide landowners information on ways they could take actions to promote wildlife habitats and support wildlife on their property. Some of the contact information may be dated but should provide words and subjects for you to use to search for more information.

Wildlife Information Developed for LRR POA

A series of documents were developed by Loomis Partners of Austin TX, for the La Reata Ranch POA.  The documents are pdf files and require Acrobat software to download (see left column to download Acrobat).

Additional Wildlife Information Sources

A few web sites are provided for your use.  These organizations provide information on wildlife and management options.  Links will open in a new browser window.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Information on wildlife and wildlife management.  Look under Wildscape and Landowner Assistance, among other titles.

Bastrop County Audubon Society

Provides information on birds and habitats.

National Audubon Society

Provides bird and habitat information.  Look under Audubon at Home and other headings.

National Wildlife Federation

Provides information on backyard wildlife management.  Look under the In your Backyard heading and other headings.

Texas A&M Cooperative Extension Service

Provides information on wildlife management.

Natural Resource Conservation Service

Provides information on wildlife management.  Look under the For Landowners heading.

Bastrop County Master Naturalist Chapter

Provides information and contacts on Bastrop County wildlife and habitats.

The documents are pdf files and require Acrobat software to view (see left column to download Acrobat).  Each document will open a new browser window.

Environmental Background

Local Nurseries for Native Plants

Living with snakes

Managing wild turkeys

Designing native landscape

Planting Grasses & Wildflowers

Planting Trees & Shrubs

Exotics plants to avoid

Reducing pesticide use

Certifying your habitat

White-tailed deer management

Pine Bark Beetles

Erosion control

Red Imported Fireant control

Wildlife watering facilities

Feeding Wild Birds

Nest boxes for Wild Birds

Wildlife activity log