Recognizing the need for a statewide plan to guide its future programs, Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) commissioned this study to develop a comprehensive plan for TPWD to meet the natural and cultural resources and recreation needs in Texas through the year 2030. This publication focuses on Phase I of the study, which consisted of holding a series of 13 formal focus groups and 7 telephone surveys to understand Texans' opinions on and attitudes toward the outdoors, on natural and historical resources, and on Texas Parks and Wildlife and its programs. In addition to the general population, 8 specific constituent groups were surveyed: anglers (saltwater and freshwater), hunters, boaters, park users (day and overnight), outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and landowners. Survey results indicated that Texas' natural and cultural resources and outdoor recreation are important issues to most Texans, with 97% of respondents stating it was either very important (79%) or somewhat important (18%) that natural areas exist in Texas for enjoying and experiencing nature. Overall, all constituent groups had a high level of satisfaction with their outdoor recreational experiences in Texas. Water resources, including both water quantity and quality, were by far the most important natural resource and environmental concerns of Texans. The results of this study will be used to establish the foundation for TPWD's future planning efforts.
