Texas Land Trends

Texas is comprised of 142 million acres of private farms, ranches and forests, leading the nation in land area devoted to privately owned working lands. These lands provide substantial economic, environmental and recreational resources that benefit all Texans.

Rapid population growth is driving suburbanization, rural development and ownership fragmentation that increasingly threatens working lands. These threats result in a fundamental change in the Texas landscape, impacting:

  • rural economies,
  • food and water security and
  • conservation of natural resources.

The Texas Land Trends project monitors the status and changes in land use, ownership size and land values of working lands. Research results are published as topic-based reports through the txlandtrends.org, an award-winning interactive website. Users can also explore and query the Texas Land Trends data through the web-based mapping service. Texas Land Trends provides decision-makers and stakeholders with timely information to support the conservation and strategic planning of working lands within a spatially explicit context. Here's a preview of a few tools we've developed through the Texas Land Trends GIS project:

Data Explorer

  • This tool allows users to curate land trend data based on their area or areas of interest. Custom data queries by users generate an output of summary statistics, which demonstrate land demographic data in three primary categories: land use, land values, and ownership. These data are displayed through interactive mapping, tables, graphs, and general text to allow unique visualization of occurring changes on the selected areas of interest.

 

Texas Early Notification Tool (TENT)

  • This tool allows users to create custom queries based on their area or areas of interest. If the area selected intersects a military asset notification area that warrants early notification, the tool will generate an output with the notification areas and associated point of contact information. These data are displayed through interactive mapping, tables, and general text.

 

Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI)

  • This tool provides users with GIS locations of all military installations nationwide with completed REPI transactions, along with relevant information and resources for these projects such as economic data and project profile pages. Custom query feature allows users to pull REPI data for multiple installations at the local-, state-, and regional-level.

 

TxMAP  

  • We developed a web mapping application that allows users to view and map natural resource data, and then publish a summary report on an area of interest. TxMAP enables users, such as private landowners, to define an area to perform an intersect query based on user input of geospatial data layers. The data is grouped into categories, matching our program areas of Wildlife Conservation, Rural Land Trends, Military Sustainability and Private Land Stewardship. The tool produces a report that includes maps and relevant information for the landowner to use in property management plans.

 

About the Texas Land Trends Data:

The Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute’s (NRI) Texas Land Trends project informs private and public decision-makers about the status and trends of our state’s working lands through the detailed curation and combination of multiple statewide datasets. It is NRI’s policy to operate this project based on scientifically and statistically developed principles and protocols. Inherent to this policy is our necessity to maintain and protect the integrity, validity, and security of our data, analyses, and processes.

NRI has dedicated significant resources to develop the methodology used to create our Texas Land Trends database, and do not share shapefiles or raw data with external entities. However, public usability and access to this data is a cornerstone of Texas Land Trends, leading to the creation of our innovative Data Explorer tool. Users can explore specific areas of interest (e.g., counties or ecoregions) or view statewide trends, with results presented through tables, charts, graphs, and maps alongside informative text to help explain common trends. This web tool allows users to visualize the data and even download select graphics. See our About the Data page for all data sources and descriptions.

 

Roel Lopez

Roel Lopez
roel@tamu.edu

As director for the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Dr. Roel Lopez provides leadership in the field of wildlife ecology and natural resource management. Roel works with internal and external stakeholders in developing institute priorities for research and extension programs and leads interdisciplinary teams to address these natural resource challenges. His research focuses on endangered and fragmented wildlife populations, the sustainability of military lands, and rural land trends and demographics. 

Before joining the institute in 2009, Roel was a professor in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University, now renamed the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management. He continues to teach in a split academic appointment, and as of September 2021, he serves as department head leading the next generation of field experts, lifelong learners and professionals who will work at the nexus of research and outreach in rangeland grazing, land stewardship, aquaculture and wildlife management. 

Roel received his Bachelor of Science in forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University, and his master’s degree and doctorate in wildlife and fisheries sciences from Texas A&M University.

Ross Anderson

Ross Anderson
ross.anderson@ag.tamu.edu

As an associate director for the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Ross Anderson provides leadership for web and desktop application planning, development and maintenance at the institutes. He is involved with the institutes’ primary sites as well as key project websites.

Ross joined the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute in May 2006 as a student technician. He was hired full-time after graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems from Texas A&M University in May 2010. He graduated with master's degree in management information systems from Texas A&M in May 2017.

Ross was raised in Menard, Texas, where he gained an appreciation for the outdoors and conservation of natural resources. In his free time, he enjoys brewing beer, hunting and fishing with his wife.

Alison Lund

Alison Lund
alison.lund@ag.tamu.edu

As a program manager for the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Alison leads several initiatives spanning NRI’s programs including Private Lands & Trends and Military Land Sustainability & Policy. Her work focuses on the convergence of natural resources conservation, working lands and military training space, to promote the sustainability of key landscapes across the state and beyond. In addition to her programmatic efforts, Alison serves as a liaison for the newly redesigned Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management to ensure the next generation of land stewards have opportunities within the Institute to experience scientific research and Extension activities. 

Before joining NRI in 2013, Alison earned a Bachelor of Science in renewable natural resources in 2010 and a master’s in natural resources development in 2013, along with certificates in leadership and military land sustainability, from Texas A&M University. While attending Texas A&M, she participated in the Corps of Cadets, the Texas A&M pistol team and Parsons Mounted Cavalry.

As a native Texan she was born and raised in Corpus Christi but now moves around the country with her husband who serves in the U.S. Army. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, leatherworking and spending time outdoors with her kids.

Brittany Wegner

Brittany Wegner
brittany.wegner@ag.tamu.edu

As a program manager for partnerships for the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Brittany works with our partners to build strategies to grow the recognition and use of sound science, expanding conversations around conservation and how we work with private landowners in Texas.

Brittany joined NRI in 2017 with a background in agency strategy in the nonprofit, transportation, energy and higher education sectors. She received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Communications and Journalism from Texas A&M University. Today, she works with students in the department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management to ensure they are prepared to meet the challenge to connect the right research and solutions to natural resource managers. 

She and her husband both come from families with working ranches in Texas where they spend their weekends with their two sons. She enjoys coffee, landscape photography, bow hunting and practicing ranch management methodologies in and out of the office.

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For all media inquiries, contact Brittany at (832) 389-7414 or brittany.wegner@ag.tamu.edu.
Addie Smith

Addie Smith
addie.smith@ag.tamu.edu

Addie Smith is a geospatial analyst and program coordinator at the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute. Using geospatial data, she examines new patterns and identifies trends to provide key information for complex Texas natural resource challenges through the power of a “good map.”


She joined the institute as a student technician in 2012 and received a Bachelor of Science in wildlife and fisheries sciences in 2014 from Texas A&M University. In 2016, she received a Master of Science in wildlife and fisheries science from Texas A&M under a graduate fellowship from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Throughout her time at the institute, her work and research has focused on Texas Land Trends, a program that informs Texans about the status of our state’s privately owned working lands.


As a native Texan, Addie enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her family and bird dog, Birdie.

 

For geospatial projects, reach out to the Geospatial Analysis Team at nri-gis@ag.tamu.edu.

Kevin Skow

Kevin Skow
kevin.skow@ag.tamu.edu

Kevin Skow provides mapping support and serves as the lead for several projects within the institute. He conducts analysis and data management and supports other needs focused on natural resource issues.

Before joining NRI in October 2008, Kevin worked for the USDA Farm Service Agency state office in College Station.  He has a Bachelor of Science degree in rangeland ecology and management from Texas A&M University.

 

For geospatial projects, reach out to the Geospatial Analysis Team at nri-gis@ag.tamu.edu.

Garrett Powers

Garrett Powers
Garrett.Powers@ag.tamu.edu

Garrett joined the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute as a student technician in 2012, while working to earn his Bachelor of Science in Spatial Sciences that he later received in 2013.  Following his undergraduate degree, Garrett served four years in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer. He returned to the institute in 2018 as a graduate research assistant, while pursuing a Master of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science with a focus on Remote Sensing technology. In his current role, Garrett provides geospatial support within the geospatial analysis team for NRI and the Texas Water Resources Institute. His studies are focused on the application of remote sensing technologies to solve challenges in natural resource conservation.

Garrett is from Houston, TX and during his free time can be found traveling around the state looking for good food and outdoor recreation.

Amanda Anderson

Amanda Anderson
amanda.anderson@ag.tamu.edu

Amanda provides geospatial analysis and mapping support for various institute projects. Her primary focus is incorporating spatial analysis and remote sensing techniques to identify and characterize suitable habitat for species of interest. 

In 2021, she returned to the institute after previously serving in various GIS support roles from 2007 to 2017.  She received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences from Texas A&M University in 2009 and 2014, respectively. She is a Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP).

Amanda’s interest in positively contributing to natural resource and land management originates from her upbringing on a rural farm and ranch in Fedor, Texas.  She enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking, and kayaking with her family.

Matt Crawford

Matt Crawford
matthew.crawford@ag.tamu.edu

Matt Crawford, a certified GIS professional with over two decades of experience, serves as the GIS Coordinator and has been with Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute since September 2013. Holding a master's degree in Range Science with a specialization in GIS from Texas Tech University.  

His expertise includes administering ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online, designing and maintaining geodatabases, and crafting mapping applications online. He plays a pivotal role in steering GIS initiatives, both internally within the institute and in collaboration with external partners and the public. Matthew's responsibilities extend to proposing solutions that enhance project value and ensuring the delivery of top-quality products to partners. 

Throughout his career, Matt has consistently pursued knowledge of new GIS technologies, utilizing these tools to address complex spatial issues. His commitment to excellence, coupled with his multidisciplinary expertise, continues to drive impactful spatial solutions in conservation at the institute. 

For geospatial projects, reach out to the Geospatial Analysis Team at nri-gis@ag.tamu.edu.

    News

    14 Jun

    Texas Land Trends tracks a changing state

    Is Texas a rural state? Yes. Eighty-three percent of the state’s lands are farms, ranches and forests. But it’s also an urban state. Eighty-six percent of Texans live in urban areas.

      Blog Posts

      3 Feb

      NRI publishes Status Update and Trends of Texas Working Lands 1997-2022

      The new Texas Land Trends program report Status Update and Trends of Texas Working Lands 1997–2022 celebrates over two decades of applied research and extension outreach at the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute (NRI). Since its inception, the program is an important resource in understanding the complex landscapes of Texas’ working lands—farms, ranches, and forests increasingly threatened by rapid population growth.

      25 Nov

      Map of the Month: Night Lights of Texas

      Through our Texas Land Trends project, we have been tracking and telling the story of rural land use changes and trends across the state for the past few decades. Using remotely sensed data, we can better illustrate these changes; especially those related to urban and energy industry growth.

      6 Jun

      Texas Land Trends meets Real Estate

      Earlier this year, NRI was invited by the the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR) Farm and Land Committee to present the story behind Texas Land Trends: How and Why Texas is Changing.

      7 Mar

      The value of conservation easements: An interview with Roel Lopez

      Listen to Dr. Roel Lopez and Blair Fitzsimons, CEO of Texas Agricultural Land Trust, provide clarity on the importance of conservation easements in Texas from ensuring the public benefits remain available to helping future generations through the actions we can take now. 

      1 Mar

      Map of the Month: Conservation Easements in Texas

      Our latest Texas Land Trends report examines conservation easements, an important tool that can complement both landowner and public needs by supporting rural economies, creating recreational opportunities. and providing intrinsic benefits.

      11 Apr

      Map of the Month: Freshwater Mussels: Key Indicators of Ecosystem Health

      Freshwater mussels play an important role in the health of freshwater ecosystems by providing food and habitat for other aquatic species, stabilizing stream bottoms, and filtering the water in our lakes and rivers. The Rio Grande basin is home to three mussel species suffering from habitat loss and growing human populations in this area may be threatening the water systems necessary for their survival.

      22 Feb

      Map of the Month: Bright lights and big cities: urban growth in Texas

      From scattered rural settlements to big cities, the density and distribution of people in Texas has changed dramatically over time. As "urban sprawl" continues to increase development in the outlying areas around cities, it will affect the resources, amenities, and job opportunities for the people who live there.

      21 Dec

      Map of the Month: Wind Energy in Texas

      Texas is the largest wind energy producing state in the U.S. As the wind energy industry continues to expand, challenges of compatibility with other national priorities continue to be a consideration—including military training. 

      1 Dec

      A Story Map: Habitat Requirements of Texas Quails

      A Texas Land Trends Story Map: Texas is home to four species of quails: Northern Bobwhite, Scaled Quail, Gambel’s Quail, and Montezuma Quail. Many Texans fondly recall experiences with quail, whether they were hunting or watching them, or just listening to their songs. Despite the interest in these quail species, their overall abundance, especially northern bobwhites, have declined over the past few decades. Recent research efforts seek to determine what factors have and continue to contribute to the decline of quail in Texas. 

      21 Jun

      Map of the Month: Wildlife management land use acres

      While ag tax evaluations traditionally involve practices such as haying, cropping, grazing and livestock, the state added a wildlife management use component in 1995. This non-traditional approach to preserving open space lands and their values has gained momentum in the past two decades, as the total number of acres enrolled has risen from 93K in 1997 to 3.2M in 2012. So how do you qualify and what is the process to switch from a traditional ag use property to wildlife management use?