Status Update and Trends of Texas Working Lands 1997-2022

Authors: Addie Smith, Roel Lopez, Alison Lund, Ross Anderson, Brittany Wegner, Amanda Anderson, Matt Crawford, Garrett Power, Kevin Skow, Angelica Lopez

As we celebrate over two decades of applied research and extension outreach by the dedicated staff at the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute (NRI), we reflect on the significant impact of the Texas Land Trends program. Since its inception, the program is a critical resource in understanding the complex landscapes of Texas’working lands—farms, ranches, and forests increasingly threatened by rapid economic and population growth. With 25 years of trend data, this five-year report, in its sixth iteration, provides essential insights into the ongoing transformation of population growth, land value, ownership patterns, and land uses across the state. The Texas Land Trends program stands as a testament to the Institute’scommitment to informing decision-makers and guiding conservation efforts. The report serves not only as an updated snapshot of current conditions but also as a roadmap for future policies affecting our state’s natural resources. Together, we continue our mission to conserve the integrity of Texas’ wide-open places for generations to come.

 

 

 

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