Natural Resources Management

Comprehensive knowledge of what's on the ground, what condition it is in, and characterizing natural and man-made change to the landscape are fundamental for effective management of natural resources including:

• Wildlife and habitat
• Agriculture/forestry operations
• Renewable and traditionally sourced energy
• Surface and sub-surface land and resource ownership
• Critical water resources

The quality and accessibility of GIS-based natural resource information has important economic and environmental impacts such as:

• Speeding planning and permitting processes
• Documenting resource ownership and use to prevent future conflicts or over allocation
• Providing a higher level understanding of natural resource dynamics and more effective conservation programs
• Improving the forest, agricultural and other landscape health
• Enhancing the hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation experience

At the state level, NSGIC members work to improve data sharing and collaborative efforts between natural resource agencies. NSGIC members advocate for completion and maintenance for critical GIS map layers like public and private land ownership boundaries, surface water network (NHD), high resolution aerial photography and elevation data, upland and coastal ecosystems, and recreation attractions. Other GIS data resources, such as drinking water resources, threatened species habitat, and archaeological sites, while secured to protect the resources, are used behind the scenes for monitoring and to ensure responsible development practices.