A Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) is a document that catalogues all of the natural resources of an area, collects the data in a usable format, and interprets the findings. While an inventory of a single parcel of land might be quite specific and detailed, a county-wide NRI is, by necessity, more generalized.
The primary purpose of the Dutchess County NRI is to provide data that can form a basis for municipal and county planning. The NRI provides useful information for municipal officials, planning boards and zoning boards of appeals, conservation advisory commissions, watershed organizations to help guide in the development of policies, inform land use decisions, and identify areas for natural resource conservation and management. The NRI also provides basic data for the preparation of plans, information to review proposed development plans, and data to assist in completing environmental assessment forms. It also provides a compendium of facts about the County for use by the general public and for teachers and students.
The NRI was published last in Dutchess County in 1985. In 2008, work to update of the Dutchess County Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) began as a collaborative project between several agencies and organizations, including the Department of Planning and Development (Planning), Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County’s (CCEDC) Environment Program, Environmental Management Council (EMC), and Office of Computer Information Systems (OCIS). These organizations are partnering with local experts and scientists from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Marist College, Vassar College and Cornell University to update each chapter of the NRI.
The current Dutchess County Natural Resources Inventory will include maps and descriptions of various natural resources such as wetlands, flood hazard areas, slopes, soils, bedrock and surficial geology, biodiversity, and protected lands. The data will be presented chapter-by-chapter, as downloadable PDF documents, as they are completed. Each chapter will include a discussion of the natural resource, how is it regulated and current status, trends and changes seen over time, policy considerations, and resources for additional information.
You must have Acrobat® Reader™ to view the chapters of the NRI.
To download each chapter individually, click on the links below (chapters listed without a link are currently being updated and will be put online soon.)
- Cover, Acknowledgements and Table of Contents (.pdf) - 367 KB
- Chapter 1: Introduction to the NRI of Dutchess County - Coming Soon
- Chapter 2: The Climate and Air Quality of Dutchess County (.pdf) - 912 KB
- Chapter 3: Geology and Topography
- Chapter 4: Soils
- Chapter 5: Hydrological Resources
- Chapter 6: Biological Resources & Biodiversity
- Chapter 7: Designated Significant & Protected Areas
- Chapter 8: Landscape Analysis Resources - Coming Soon
- Chapter 9: Executive Summary and Policy Considerations
- Links to Completed Municipal NRIs and Maps
- Glossary
1985 NRI
