National Resources Inventory

The National Resources Inventory (NRI) is a compilation of natural resource information on non-federal land throughout the United States.  This inventory captures data on land cover and use, soil erosion, prime farmland, wetlands, habitat diversity, selected conservation practices and related resource attributes at more than 800,000 scientifically selected sample sites.  It is conducted by NRCS every five years. The most recent NRI data was collected in 1997.

The NRI provides a record of trends in the nation's resources over time. It is also an excellent record of conservation accomplishments.  Information is available for 1982, 1987, 1992 and 1997 so that trends and changes in land use and resource characteristics over a 15-year time period can be examined and analyzed.  Because the NRI is based on recognized statistical sampling methods and is scientifically designed and executed, NRI data are valuable in examining issues at national, regional and state levels.

Link to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/NRI/ for detailed information about the most recent National Resources Inventory.

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