Farm and ranch lands program safeguards millions in water conservation, flood prevention and ag productivity

The Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute released the 2024 evaluation report today for the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program (TFRLCP) publishing key findings to support the program’s efforts to help safeguard the public benefits derived from working lands. 

The report found that the program yields a 23-to-1 return where $23 worth of land value is protected for every $1 of program investment. Some findings from the study found that properties protected under the program have the potential to amount to:

• $590 million in ecosystem services over 20 years
• $22.6 million annually in coastal and inland flood prevention
• $16.4 million annually in water replacement savings
• $4.1 million annually in agricultural commodities

“Texas encompasses some of the most diverse and ecologically rich landscapes in the U.S.,” said NRI’s Director, Dr. Roel Lopez. “These private farms, ranches and forestlands are under increasing land conversion pressure every day. Providing a mechanism to protect these open spaces and working lands is why this program exists.”

Over 80 percent of the state is designated as privately owned working lands that supply food, fiber, water, recreation, and overall healthier environments. Some of these derived benefits are easily quantified in economic terms—agricultural production, for example—but other values like clean water, wildlife habitat, and flood control generally lack formal market structures that describe their value in terms of public funding. By conducting this assessment, we can better understand the program's strength to protect our state’s future well-being. 

In April 2015, NRI conducted the first needs assessment to determine the target areas and funding needed for the state. This report provided science-based information to help the land trust community make the case for a sustained TFRLCP and resulted in the program receiving funding for the first time since its establishment. After the program was funded, NRI periodically evaluated its effectiveness. These reports focused on the program’s return on investment, value of protected water resources and potential future demand. 

To continue stewarding these resources efficiently, NRI continues to examine the conservation easements executed under the TFRLCP to specifically review ecological and economic values secured through the protection of these properties as well as the fiscal efficiency of state funds to protect working lands with high agricultural value at a relatively low cost for state residents. 

Read the 2024 evaluation report on NRI’s website here: tx.ag/TFRLCP2024