Although dating back to the mid-1900s when first introduced by the Nature Conservancy, Conservation Easements are still relatively new in Texas and there are many misconceptions related to their use. Romey Swanson, Conservation Project Manager at Hill Country Conservancy, spends much of his time educating landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders about the benefits of this important tool.

“When driving between Austin and other cities, we see open spaces and farm lands and we don’t want to lose that. Conservation easements are a way to make sure these spaces remain open while also catering to the needs of the landowner.”

With the assistance of organizations like Hill Country Conservancy, landowners can make sure they are doing conservation the right way, successfully stewarding their land. Hill Country Conservancy currently assists with ten conservation easements. Each is annually monitored and assisted with resources to help attain conservation goals.

Swanson, a Certified Wildlife Biologist, is also a member of Travis Audubon and a birder himself. He got hooked eight years ago and has become increasingly involved with bird and wildlife conservation ever since. His technical knowledge and past experience advising landowners has given him the expertise needed to help landowners successfully harness the conservation easement tool.

You can learn more about how conservation easements benefit both wildlife and landowners here.