National Resources Inventory
2003 Annual NRI

National and Major River Basin Land Use Results Tables

Estimates presented here are based upon the latest information from the National Resources Inventory (NRI). The NRI is a longitudinal sample survey based upon scientific statistical principles and procedures. It is conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in cooperation with Iowa State University’s Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology. These results are based upon the 2003 Annual NRI, which statistically updates 1997 NRI results with data collected during 2000 – 2003. The NRI was conducted on a five-year cycle during the period 1982 to 1997, but now is conducted annually. NRI data were collected every five years for 800,000 sample sites; annual NRI data collection occurs at slightly less than 25 percent of these same sample sites. Current estimates cover the contiguous 48 states. Future estimates will include Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean, and selected Pacific Basin islands.

NRI data release procedures are affected by implementation of an annual data collection approach, because the scale of NRI estimates is affected by these reduced sample sizes. Estimates are being released when they meet NRI statistical standards and are scientifically credible in accordance with NRCS policy, and in accordance with OMB and USDA Quality of Information Guidelines. At all scales of analysis, margins of error must be considered. Margins of error (at the 95 percent confidence level) are presented for every NRI estimate. For more information see the NRI website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/NRI/.

Note: Acreages for CRP Land and Federal Land are established through geospatial processes and administrative records; therefore, statistical margins of error are not applicable and shown as n/a. Total surface area of the contiguous United States is 1,937.7 million acres. Due to rounding, land use acres may not sum to total surface area. CRP was not implemented until 1985. Cropland includes cultivated and non-cultivated cropland.

Note: Acreages for CRP Land and Federal Land are established through geospatial processes and administrative records; therefore, statistical margins of error are not applicable and shown as n/a. A — indicates that the margin of error is less than 50,000 acres. Total surface area of the contiguous United States is 1,937.7 million acres. Due to rounding, land use acres may not sum to total surface area. CRP was not implemented until 1985. Cropland includes cultivated and non-cultivated cropland.

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