TEMPLE—In 1968, Don Brandenberger embarked upon what will go down in Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) history books as the longest serving employee since its establishment in 1938.
During his tenure he has witnessed the relocation of all 4 TSSWCB Headquarter Offices in Temple, 10 out of the 11 Executive Directors, the funding of 3 new agency programs and has seen the creation or re-establishment of 63 soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs).
Don works as a Field Representative traveling throughout Central Texas serving as a resource to 21 SWCDs covering 25 counties. Brandenberger is well known across the state of Texas for his hard work, dedication, giving heart and his love for making others laugh.
Don is a resident of Clifton, Texas where he has a ranching operation with 200 cattle. He is a husband of 53 years to his wife Alice, father to Mark and Mary Ann and “Big” to his grandkids Dacey, Mason and Makail. His family sings his praise and says he has instilled in them the importance of giving selflessly and loving others. Don is their #1 fan and never misses a football, volleyball, baseball game, dance recital or stock show.
He was a Tarleton Texan and a Texas Tech Red Raider graduating with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Before joining TSSWCB, he was a County Extension Agent. Don also served our country in the Army.
Brandenberger has made a true impact on TSSWCB as well as our friends of conservation across Texas.
TSSWCB works in conjunction with local SWCDs across Texas to encourage the wise and productive use of natural resources.
Established by the Texas Legislature in 1939, the TSSWCB is governed by seven board members, all of which are actively involved in agriculture or silviculture. Five of the board members are voted in by a delegation of their local peers, and two board members are appointed by the Governor of Texas.
TSSWCB is the lead agency for planning, implementing, and managing coordinated natural resource conservation programs for preventing and abating agricultural and silvicultural nonpoint sources of water pollution. TSSWCB also works to ensure that the State’s network of over 2,000 flood control dams are protecting lives and property by providing operation, maintenance, and structural repair grants to local government sponsors.