Sense of place on the range: Landowner place meanings, place attachment, and well-being in the Southern Great Plains

Abstract

• Sense of place can play a significant role in landowner well-being; yet is subjective, complex, and difficult to quantify. • Through a regression tree analysis of mail survey responses from landowners in the US Edwards Plateau, Central Great Plains, and Flint Hills, we found landowners have diverse senses of place based on a variety of place meanings and differing levels of place attachment. • Despite social and ecological regional differences, sense of place was similarly diverse within each region rather than specific to region. • Personal experiences related to way of life, peace and quiet, personal legacy, autonomy, and inspiration may be fundamental meanings for place attachment and well-being on private lands. • The potential for landowners’ place meanings and attachment to contribute to their well-being necessitate including sense of place in efforts toward socially and environmentally sustainable private lands management.