Subject: INV - National Resources Inventory (NRI) Onsite Data Collection
Action Required By: October 31, 2015
Expiration Date: December 31, 2015

Purpose

To provide information regarding 2015 NRI grazing land onsite data collection training dates and locations, and establish data collection timelines for the 2015 Grazing Land Onsite Survey on non-Federal and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.    

Background

Onsite data collection is an integral component of the NRI.  States have the responsibility for coordinating, collecting, and reviewing NRI Grazing Land Onsite Survey data for non-Federal pastureland, non-Federal rangeland, and BLM-managed rangeland in 2015.  Lists of the sample sites selected for the 2015 NRI Grazing Land Onsite Survey were forwarded to State resource inventory coordinators (SRICs) in August 2014 to assist with planning.
NRCS is committed to meeting Agency milestones for the delivery of NRI data and ensuring the quality of that data.  NRCS also is committed to honoring its agreement with the Bureau of Land Management to carry out data collection on their land in accordance with established protocols in a timely manner.  Thorough training in NRI grazing land onsite data collection protocols, appropriate timing of data collection, and comprehensive review of those data contribute to data quality.

Explanation

A series of webinars with different topics each day will be held February 10-12, 2015.  Topics will include changes in the NRI onsite survey since 2014 and review of data collection protocols.  Specific call-in times and connection information will be shared by email when the schedule is finalized.

Four national training sessions are planned.  Those planning to attend the training are advised not to make any non-refundable reservations until the sessions are approved.

• Agua Fria National Monument, AZ, February 23-27, 2015
• Asheville/Waynesville, NC, April 20-24, 2015
• Sioux Falls, SD, May 11-15, 2015
• Troy, NY, May 18-22, 2015

The attached map shows, by MLRA, the time intervals during which the 2015 NRI grazing land onsite data must be collected.  All data collection must be completed by September 30, 2015.  States must complete all review of the 2015 NRI grazing land onsite data by October 31, 2015.

Contact

Questions may be directed to Daniel Good, Director, Resource Inventory Division (dan.good@wdc.usda.gov).

/s/

David W. Smith
Deputy Chief for Soil Science and Resource Assessment