Texas Parks Commission Gains New Members Amid Growth Pressures

On April 16, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the appointment of Tim Timmerman and the reappointment of Bobby Patton to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, a body tasked with safeguarding the state’s natural and cultural resources. These appointments, pending Senate confirmation, signal a continued focus on balancing conservation with economic growth, a priority for a state experiencing rapid population growth and urban development.

Timmerman, a real estate investor from Austin, and Patton, a Fort Worth attorney and business leader, bring diverse expertise to the commission. Their six-year terms, set to expire in 2031, come at a pivotal moment when Texas faces competing pressures: preserving its sprawling landscapes while meeting the demands of a growing population hungry for recreational opportunities.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission oversees policies that affect everything from state parks to wildlife management, influencing how millions of Texans and visitors experience the outdoors. With outdoor recreation generating $55.8 billion for the state’s economy in 2023, the stakes are high for the commission’s nine members to make decisions that resonate for generations.

Tim Timmerman, owner of Timmerman Capital LLC, has deep roots in real estate investment and development. His leadership roles include president of the Colorado River Land Trust, a group dedicated to conserving land along one of Texas’s vital waterways. Timmerman’s involvement with organizations like the Central Texas Community Foundation, which has distributed over $20 million in grants since 2004, reflects a commitment to community and environmental stewardship. He holds degrees from Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin.

Bobby Patton, president of Texas Capitalization Resource Group, Inc., brings a legal and business perspective. A member of the State Bar of Texas and various University of Texas advisory boards, Patton has a track record of civic engagement, including past leadership in the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. His academic credentials include a law degree from St. Mary’s Law School and a Master of Laws from Southern Methodist University.

Both appointees have ties to institutions like Texas A&M and UT, which play significant roles in shaping Texas’s educational and economic landscape. Their backgrounds suggest a blend of private-sector pragmatism and public-service experience, qualities that could guide the commission’s approach to complex challenges.

Texas is losing open space at an alarming rate, roughly one square mile per day, due to urban sprawl and development. The commission’s recent goals, outlined in the Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan, aim to counter this trend by adding 82,000 acres to the state park system and protecting 56,000 acres of private land through conservation easements by 2033. Timmerman’s real estate expertise could inform strategies to balance development with preservation, while Patton’s legal background may aid in navigating regulatory hurdles.

Outdoor recreation, a cornerstone of Texas’s identity, supports nearly 390,000 jobs and contributes over 2% to the state’s GDP. Yet challenges like limited public land access, due to Texas’s predominantly private land ownership, and declining participation in hunting and fishing relative to population growth demand innovative solutions. Stakeholders, including park users and business owners, hope the appointees will prioritize modernizing facilities and streamlining permitting processes.

Voices from the conservation community emphasize the need for sustainable practices. For example, recent commission actions, like acquiring 477 acres near Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge for a new state park, highlight the potential for expanding public access while protecting biodiversity. However, some environmental advocates argue that development pressures could undermine these efforts if not carefully managed.

Real estate development, a field where Timmerman has significant experience, is reshaping Texas. With a median home price of $332,100 in early 2024 and inventory at an eight-year high, the state’s housing market reflects both opportunity and strain. Large-scale projects, like the 3,200-acre AllianceTexas Corridor, drive economic growth but intensify pressure on natural landscapes. The commission’s decisions could influence how such developments coexist with conservation goals.

Historically, the commission has navigated similar tensions. Since its expansion under the 1983 Wildlife Conservation Act, it has balanced recreational access with habitat preservation, from restoring Guadalupe bass populations to managing coastal fisheries. The appointees’ ability to foster collaboration among landowners, businesses, and policymakers will be critical in continuing this legacy.

Texas’s cultural connection to its land, from ranches to state parks, runs deep. The commission’s work touches not just policy but the lived experiences of Texans who hunt, fish, or simply seek solace in nature. As urban areas expand, ensuring equitable access to these spaces remains a pressing concern for communities across the state.

As Timmerman and Patton prepare to join the commission, their decisions will ripple across Texas’s economy, environment, and culture. The blend of their expertise offers potential for pragmatic yet forward-thinking policies, but success will hinge on their ability to listen to diverse voices, from rural landowners to urban parkgoers. With Senate confirmation pending, Texans are watching closely to see how these appointments will shape the state’s natural legacy.

The path forward is complex, but the commission’s track record suggests resilience. By building on past successes, like habitat restoration and park expansion, while addressing modern challenges like urbanization, the new appointees have a chance to leave a lasting mark on Texas’s outdoors, ensuring it remains a source of pride and possibility for all.