Texas sees significant decline in rural land

The vast majority of Texas land — 83 percent — is part of a farm, ranch or forest. But Texas is losing such rural land more than any other state, in large part because of the exploding growth of metropolitan areas, according to newly released data. Scientists say that has serious implications for Texas’ water supply because such acreage — known as “working lands” or “open space” lands — helps the state retain water resources by letting rain infiltrate the ground and circulate into aquifers. Read more at The Texas Tribune…