National Resources Inventory 1 The National Resources Inventory (NRI) Is a statistical survey, based...

National Resources Inventory 1National Resources Inventory

The National Resources The National Resources Inventory (NRI)Inventory (NRI)


• Is a statistical survey, based on well-established scientific principles

• Designed & implemented to assess conditions & trends of soil, water, & related resources on non-Federal rural lands

• Conducted for USDA, by NRCS, in cooperation with the Iowa State University Statistical Laboratory




• Captures data on land cover & use, soils, soil erosion, wetlands, habitat diversity, selected conservation practices, & related resource attributes -- at 800,000 scientifically selected sample sites

• Purpose: To provide support for– Agricultural & Environmental Policy

Development and Program Implementation


National Sample DensityNational Sample Density


Primary Sample Unit (PSU)Primary Sample Unit (PSU)Primary Sample Unit (PSU)Primary Sample Unit (PSU)


CONTINUOUS NRICONTINUOUS NRICONTINUOUS NRICONTINUOUS NRI

• NRI 5-Year Cycles – 1982,1987, 1992 & 1997

• In 2000 we converted from 5-year inventory to a continuous annual inventory

• The continuous annual inventory design:

- 73,000 PSUs/year by remote sensing

-14,000 PSUs by onsite methods.




Grazing LandsGrazing LandsGrazing LandsGrazing Lands

• Nonfederal Grazing Lands

– 45% of all nonfederal lands (*)

• Rangelands

– > 40% of all lands in Nation (#)

* Excludes Alaska & Federal lands

# Includes Alaska & Federal lands


National Academy of National Academy of SciencesSciences

National Academy of National Academy of SciencesSciences

ISSUES:• Disagreement over status of rangeland, over analysis and

assessment techniques, over extent of problems, etc.• Recommendations to DOI and USDA included implement a

coordinated & statistically valid national inventory to periodically evaluate health of Federal and nonfederal rangelands

• NRI is statistically valid for nonfederal range but proper data are not being collected


PlansPlansPlansPlans

• Establishment of Analysis Team – concern re “Continuity and utility of data” (STC)– Make sure we can monitor and look at trends

over time– Make sure that we can and do utilize all data

• Agency implementation of rangeland field protocols– Many pilot studies; inter-agency development

• Federal government – National Cooperative Rangeland Study – DOI, USDA, SRM, others

• Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP)


NRI Rangeland NRI Rangeland Assessment - ObjectivesAssessment - Objectives

NRI Rangeland NRI Rangeland Assessment - ObjectivesAssessment - Objectives

• In addition to the usual NRI objectives as stated in policy, use of the NRI (rangeland) field protocols will provide data that:– can be used to further range science – provide more knowledge about interactions

among environmental, soil, and plant variables, and management practices

National Resources InventoryNational Resources Inventory

NRI Rangeland Field Study-2003NRI Rangeland Field Study-2003


Scientific Requirements – Scientific Requirements – for NRI Rangeland Datafor NRI Rangeland Data

Scientific Requirements – Scientific Requirements – for NRI Rangeland Datafor NRI Rangeland Data

• Continuous NRI – To be conducted on the basis of rigorous,

scientifically developed sample survey (e.g., statistical) principles and protocols [Policy]

– Features prescribed mixture of data collection types [on-site; PI; satellite] & full QA program

– Timely, credible, useful data

• Move from qualitative/subjective measures to quantitative/objective [National Academy]


Sample Design forSample Design for Field & Special Resource Studies Field & Special Resource Studies

• Use photo-interpretation sample – First phase in multi-phase design

– Use historical information to design sample

– Borrow strength from photo-interp data in estimation

• Often requires extra stage in sampling– Reduce study costs by selecting geographic

clusters

– Example: select counties within states first, then PSUs


NRI Rangeland NRI Rangeland Data Collection, NRCSData Collection, NRCS

NRI Rangeland NRI Rangeland Data Collection, NRCSData Collection, NRCS

• 2003 Data Collection

– Preceded by a number of pilots in association with personnel from BLM/FS/USGS.

– Part of 3-year effort

– The 2003 data can not be used by themselves to obtain statistical estimates

• 2004 and 2005 data collection

• On-site data collection

– Standard facet of NRI; Monitoring

• Continue to work with other agencies and to pursue remote techniques


2003 Sample/Non-Federal2003 Sample/Non-Federal 2003 Sample/Non-Federal2003 Sample/Non-Federal

2003- Pilot Year•600 Primary sampling units

•Across 110 counties in 17 states

2004 and 2005•2400 Primary sampling units/each year•19 States


Rangeland InventoryRangeland InventoryRangeland InventoryRangeland Inventory

Oracle Data base (Source for historical data and storage for new submitted data)

Front end machines

Modem bank or Network access to mobile device

•PSU and associated historical to mobile computing device

•New data uploaded from mobile computing device

•All via modem or network connection


• Hand-held pen-based computer– controlled input

formats & navigation– edit checking– communication w/

central server &other peripherals

• Central warehouse– sample data base,

process metadata– web pages:

survey progress, interactive training, data views, instructions

Computer-Assisted Survey Information CollectionComputer-Assisted Survey Information Collection


•Paper worksheet with embedded rules, logic and communication capabilities.

•Key to high quality data

CASI- (Computer Assisted Survey Instrument)


• Apple Newton Message Pads

– Model 2000/2100• Modem or Network

connection*• CASI (Range02.pkg)• Rockwell PLGR (GPS)• Cables, backpack• Some specialized

equipment (cover pole, soil stability

test kit, tapes etc.)

Equipment/SoftwareEquipment/SoftwareEquipment/SoftwareEquipment/Software


PSU Data/GeneralPSU Data/General

•Entry for data collection team members and job titles.

•PSU ID information displayed for information.


Locating the Point, Land Locating the Point, Land Cover and Transect EndsCover and Transect Ends

Locating the Point, Land Locating the Point, Land Cover and Transect EndsCover and Transect Ends

•Navigation to point location using GPS

•Entry of appropriate land cover/use opens up rest of data entry screens.

•Transect ends were also captured using GPS – not likely in 2004.


• Intersect at the NRI sample point

• Two 150 ft transects oriented NW- SE and NE – SW.

• North, south, east and west quadrants are identified for some types of data collection.

Plot Layout and DesignPlot Layout and Design


• Landscape and soil data elements. Choice lists for most

• NASIS SSAID and MUSYM brought forward from 2001 NRI.

• Soil Component name and ID optional depending upon make-up of data collection team.

Landscape and SoilsLandscape and SoilsLandscape and SoilsLandscape and Soils


• Choice lists for all data elements.

• Historic 1992 Ecological site brought forward for information

• Existing list of current Ecological site numbers and names also provided as choice list.

Ecological Site Information


Rangeland HealthRangeland HealthRangeland HealthRangeland Health

•Rangeland health protocol (same as in BLM/NRCS publication)

•Two screens

•Summary information provided on set II screen.


Noxious Weed and Noxious Weed and Invasive/Alien PlantsInvasive/Alien PlantsNoxious Weed and Noxious Weed and

Invasive/Alien PlantsInvasive/Alien Plants

•Sub-list of noxious and invasive or alien plants is created from the two provided plant data bases

•Record species by quadrant along with an estimate of degree of invasion (from choice list).

•On board data bases include:•NRCS plant data base•National noxious weed data base

•Plants can be sorted by common or scientific name. Plant symbol is displayed as the code.


Disturbance IndicatorsDisturbance IndicatorsDisturbance IndicatorsDisturbance Indicators

•Record presence or absence of a number of past or present disturbances.

•Two screens.


Conservation Practices (from NRCS Conservation Practices (from NRCS technical guide)technical guide)

Conservation Practices (from NRCS Conservation Practices (from NRCS technical guide)technical guide)

•Record presence or absence of a number of conservation practices

•Three screens


Conservation Treatment NeedsConservation Treatment NeedsConservation Treatment NeedsConservation Treatment Needs

•This is retained from the 1992 NRI.

•Likely will change to resource concerns as listed in NRCS technical guides in 2004.


Soil Stability IndictorSoil Stability IndictorSoil Stability IndictorSoil Stability Indictor

•A soil aggregate stability test which provides information on the degree of soil structural development and erosion resistance.

•This test measures the stability of the soil when exposed to rapid wetting.

•Involves some special equipment which is provided to data collection teams.

•Ratings 0- 6 with 0 as unstable and 6 as 75-100 % of ped remains after 5 dips.


Rangeland InventoryRangeland InventoryRangeland InventoryRangeland Inventory


Line Point Transects for Cover Line Point Transects for Cover CompositionComposition

Line Point Transects for Cover Line Point Transects for Cover CompositionComposition

•Rapid , accurate method for quantifying species composition, ground cover, litter, rocks and biotic crusts.

•Completed at 3 foot intervals along transects.

•Sub-list of plants can be created by the user from the large National plants database.

•Top, basal, and NS layer must be entered. Up to 6 canopy species could be entered prior to the basal layer.


Line intercept Transects for Line intercept Transects for Basal and Canopy CoverBasal and Canopy Cover

Line intercept Transects for Line intercept Transects for Basal and Canopy CoverBasal and Canopy Cover

•Provides an estimate of basal and canopy gaps along both transects 1 foot or larger.

•Large gaps between plants are important indicators of potential wind and water erosion and weed invasion.

•Enter beginning an end of gap to the nearest 0.1 of a foot.


Gap ExamplesGap Examples Gap ExamplesGap Examples

Basal gaps Canopy gaps


Cover, Density and Height(Cover pole)

Cover, Density and Height(Cover pole)

•Provides an estimate of cover density along both transects at pre-determined intervals (left column).

•Visual obstruction readings are made at 10 foot intervals along each transect..

•Right most column for estimate of canopy height.

•Observations made with the cover pole will allow users to reduce complex vegetative conditions found in nature to simplified structures with which to conduct analyses.

•This will include estimates of both vertical (<5 ft.) and horizontal structural diversity on rangelands


Cover Pole

Transect line

B

Viewing pole

Y

X

A

39.4” offset


Species Composition by Weight Species Composition by Weight (Biomass)(Biomass)


•Record all plant species and associated weight to the nearest gram.

•Enter information of yield reconstruction including dry weight percentage, percent ungrazed, percent of total growth, and any needed climate adjustment.

•Similarity index is also calculated.





Criterion 1-Water BasedCriterion 1-Water BasedCriterion 1-Water BasedCriterion 1-Water Based

Criterion 1: Conservation and Maintenance of Soil and Water Resources of Rangelands

Land Cover /U

se

Landscape/ soils

Ecological S

ite

Rangeland H

ealth

Noxious W

eed –Invasive./Alien

Plants

Disturbance Indicators

Conservation P

ractices

Conservation T

reatment N

eeds

Soil S

tability Test

Line Point- C

over composition.

Line Inter. Basal and C

anopy Cover

Cover, D

ensity and Height

Species C

omposition by W

eight

Water-based Indicators

6. Percent of water bodies in rangeland areas with significant changes in natural biotic assemblage composition.

7. Percent of surface water on rangeland areas with significant deterioration of their chemical, physical, and biological properties from acceptable levels.

2

8. Changes in ground water systems. 2 2

9. Changes in the frequency and duration of surface no-flow periods in rangeland streams.

2 2

10.Percent of stream length in rangeland catchments in which stream channel geometry significantly deviates from the natural channel geometry.


Criterion 2- (Indicators 11-15)Criterion 2- (Indicators 11-15)Criterion 2- (Indicators 11-15)Criterion 2- (Indicators 11-15)

Criterion 2: Conservation and Maintenance of Plant and Animal Resources on Rangelands

Land Cover /U

se

Landscape/ soils

Ecological S

ite

Rangeland H

ealth

Noxious W


Plants


Conservation P

ractices

Conservation T

reatment N

eeds

Soil S

tability Test

Line Point- C

over composition.


anopy Cover

Cover, D

ensity and Height

Species C

om

positio

n b

y We

igh

t

11. Extent of land area in rangeland. 1

12.Rangeland area by plant community. 2 1 1

13.Number and extent of wetlands. 1

14.Fragmentation of rangeland and rangeland plant communities.

1

15. Density of roads and human structures.

1


Criterion 2 (Indicators 16-20)Criterion 2 (Indicators 16-20)Criterion 2 (Indicators 16-20)Criterion 2 (Indicators 16-20)

16. Integrity in natural fire regimes on rangeland.

17. Extent and condition of riparian systems.

18. Area of infestation and presence/absence of invasive and other nonnative plant species of concern.

1

19.Number and distribution of species and communities of concern.

1 1 1

20.Population status and geographic range of rangeland-dependent species

1

Criterion 2: Conservation and Maintenance of Plant and Animal Resources on Rangelands

Land Cover /U

se

Landscape/ soils

Ecological S

ite

Rangeland H

ealth

Noxious W


Plants


Conservation P

ractices

Conservation T

reatment N

eeds

Soil S

tability Test

Line Point- C

over composition.


anopy Cover

Cover, D

ensity and Height

Species C

om

positio

n b

y We

igh

t


Criterion 3Criterion 3Criterion 3Criterion 3

Criterion 3: Maintenance of Productive Capacity on Rangelands

Land Cover /U

se

Landscape/ soils

Ecological S

ite

Rangeland H

ealth

Noxious W


Plants


Conservation P

ractices

Conservation T

reatment N

eeds

Soil S

tability Test

Line Point- C

over composition.


anopy Cover

Cover, D

ensity and Height

Species C

omposition by W

eight

21. Rangeland aboveground biomass. 2 2 2

22. Rangeland annual productivity 2 1

23. Percent of available rangeland grazed by livestock.

24. Number of domestic livestock on rangeland.

25. Presence and density of wildlife functional groups on rangeland.

2

26. Annual removal of native hay and non-forage plant materials, landscaping materials, edible and medicinal plants, and wood products.

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National Resources Inventory 1 The National Resources Inventory (NRI) Is a statistical survey, based...

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