Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Lindsey Gohlke and reappointed Romey Swanson to the Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council, with both set to serve terms lasting until February 2031.
The appointments come as Texas continues its efforts to preserve working agricultural lands that provide critical environmental benefits alongside their economic value. The Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council plays a pivotal role in this mission, advising and assisting with the administration of the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program (TFRLCP) and selecting grant recipients.
What exactly does the council do? It’s tasked with identifying and helping preserve lands that offer high value for water resources, fish and wildlife habitats, and agricultural production — essentially the working landscapes that define much of rural Texas while providing essential ecological services.
Gohlke, who hails from Oglesby, brings financial expertise to the council as a lender at Security Bank of Texas. Her background includes memberships in the Texas Bankers Association and the Independent Banker Association, as well as community involvement with St. Paul Lutheran Church and the McLennan County Farm Bureau. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication and Journalism from Texas A&M University.
Swanson, the Austin-based executive director of Devils River Conservancy, returns to the council with an extensive background in wildlife conservation. He currently serves as president of both the Texas Ornithological Society and the Texas Herpetological Society, having previously led the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society. His board position with the Texas Land Trust Council further underscores his commitment to conservation efforts across the state.
With advanced degrees in Wildlife Biology and Wildlife Ecology from Texas State University, Swanson brings scientific expertise that complements Gohlke’s agricultural and financial background — creating a balanced perspective on the council.
The appointments reflect the ongoing tension in Texas between rapid development and the need to preserve working lands that provide both economic livelihoods and ecological benefits. As Texas continues to face pressures from population growth, climate change, and shifting agricultural economics, the council’s work in directing conservation grants takes on increasing significance.
For landowners and conservation advocates watching the council’s decisions, these appointments signal the direction of Texas’s approach to balancing land preservation with economic use for the next several years.
