San Antonio River in Karnes County. Photo Credit: Tristan Infante—River Clicks 2024
This series provides readers the opportunity to learn about the unique insights and experiences of the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) Board of Directors and their personal connection to the San Antonio River in hopes of inspiring stewardship of area creeks and rivers.
What are your goals and top priorities as a board member in 2025?
This year, I’m prioritizing the continuation of work on Phase II of the Escondido Creek Parkway project. This valuable initiative aims to create a new trail system that connects downtown Kenedy at Joe Gully Park, Escondido Creek Parkway, and the newly opened Kenedy Convention Center. We are confident that this will greatly enhance community benefits and accessibility for Karnes County residents.
Escondido Creek Parkway in Kenedy, TX
This project has taken many years of planning and collaboration with local stakeholders. What started as a simple concept outlined on a napkin has evolved into a thriving community outdoor hub. It has been a privilege to observe this transformation during my tenure as a board member.
The River Authority has several signature events in the Southern Basin. Is there one that you’re most excited about?
The River Authority and local partners host six semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste collection (HHW) events in the spring and fall for county residents. These events provide an opportunity for residents to drop off unwanted household hazardous waste, tires, paint, used motor oil & filters, cleaning products, pesticides, computers, small electronics, and pharmaceuticals. The event is free for county residents.
We continue to observe increasing engagement from Karnes County residents in efforts to minimize waste entering our creeks and rivers at every event. Find the Spring HHW events below:
Goliad County: March 8, 2025, Goliad Memorial Auditorium Parking Lot
Wilson County: March 22, 2025, Wilson County Expo Center
Karnes County: April 12, 2025, Karnes County Youth Show Barn
Did you know? The River Authority and our partners collected approximately 196,571 pounds of unwanted household materials in Spring 2024!
What new River Authority initiatives in Karnes County would you like to highlight?
Karnes County host 13 of the 41 dams the River Authority operates and maintains throughout the San Antonio River Basin. Presently, there are ongoing planning initiatives aimed at rehabilitating 3 of these 13 dams in Karnes County, reflecting our commitment to the safety part of our mission of safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers.
Escondido Creek flows during a rain event. The dams in Escondido Creek watershed are vital in preventing flooding in urban areas of Karnes County.
Soon, public meetings will be scheduled to present the recommendations from the Supplemental Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) for Floodwater Retarding Dams 1, 4, and 12. I send sincere gratitude to the Escondido Watershed District, City of Kenedy, and Karnes County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Karnes County for the continued support of our mission at the San Antonio River Authority.
About Gaylon Oehlke
Gaylon Oehlke was born and raised in Goliad County, where he attended Goliad High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University in 1972. During this time, Oehlke was a member of the Texas National Guard. Oehlke retired in March 2004 as president of the Kenedy and Robstown credit offices for Capital Farm Credit, ACA, after 32 years of service. He has been a board member at the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) since 2003, and his current term expires in 2025.
