NRI’s Human Dimensions research helps explain how people interact with Texas’ natural resources—and how their values, decisions, and land management practices shape the future of working lands. Through statewide efforts such as the Texas Landowner Survey, we gather insights from private land stewards about ownership motivations, land management priorities, challenges, and emerging trends across generations. Complementing this work, our Water Trends surveys capture public perspectives on water availability, regional planning, conservation behaviors, and concerns about long-term water security.

By combining social science with geospatial data and natural resource assessments, the Human Dimensions focus area provides decision-makers, agencies, and conservation partners with a clearer understanding of the people behind Texas’ landscapes. These insights strengthen outreach efforts, support community-informed planning, and guide policies that reflect the needs and realities of Texans who live on and rely on the land.

Texas Landowner Survey

Texas has more than 142 million acres of working lands managed by over 250,000 private landowners, each with unique goals, challenges, and stewardship responsibilities. Released every five years through NRI’s Texas Land Trends program, the Texas Landowner Survey captures landowner perspectives on issues such as land management, land loss and fragmentation, water, hunting, and emerging concerns. The survey helps identify how needs and priorities shift over time and informs agencies and conservation professionals on how best to support private landowners through technical guidance and targeted programming.

The voluntary and confidential survey includes six topic areas and takes approximately 20–30 minutes to complete on any device. Results are reported only in aggregate to protect anonymity. Insights gained from this effort strengthen statewide conservation initiatives and ensure resources are designed to meet landowners where they are. The 2023 Texas Landowner Survey Report is now available.

Texas Water Trends Survey

With over 191,000 miles of waterways, Texas relies on its rivers, lakes, aquifers, and reservoirs to meet the daily needs of a rapidly growing population. The Texas Water Trends Survey was developed to understand how Texans use, manage, and value water resources across the state—capturing perspectives from water users, water providers, community leaders, and other water professionals. The survey explores topics such as water dependability, cost and accessibility, quality concerns, private wells, drought and flooding experiences, and water-based recreation.

This voluntary and confidential survey takes 20–30 minutes to complete and is open to anyone connected to water in Texas, recognizing that every resident plays a role in the state’s water future. The insights gathered help inform water planning, public outreach, and resource development by giving voice to the lived experiences of Texans. Findings spark conversations among leaders and guide programs, materials, and technical assistance that support healthy, accessible, and sustainable water systems. The Texas Water Trends Report is now available.