GOAL 1: Operate a Natural Resource Information Clearinghouse:
The primary goal of the Natural Resource Information System is to operate a clearinghouse
for natural resource information. NRIS does this through the inventory, acquisition,
storage, and dissemination of information. The clearinghouse helps make critical
information easily and readily available to all of Montana's citizens in a timely and
cost-effective manner.
- Objective 1 – Inventory Data: Through the Montana Natural Heritage Program (NHP)
the Montana Water Information System (WIS),
and the Montana Geographic Information System
(GIS) programs, inventory existing natural resource information.
- Objective 2 – Information Dissemination: Through the NHP, WIS, and GIS programs
manage a timely, cost-effective clearinghouse and referral service to link users with the
best sources of natural resource information.
- Objective 3 – Identify Data Gaps: Through the NHP, WIS, and GIS programs identify
gaps in natural resource information.
- Objective 4 – Fill Data Gaps: Through the NHP, WIS, and GIS programs, and
cooperation with other entities, assist in filling natural resource information
gaps.
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GOAL 2: Support Interagency Data Coordination:
In order to effectively operate the clearinghouse and provide accurate data, NRIS
coordinates and promotes the program among all public agencies. Interagency coordination
and the development of data standards help insure the accuracy and quality of the data;
helps avoid the duplication of data creation and distribution; helps insure that critical
data sets are created; and promotes the sharing of resources and information.
- Objective
1– Interagency Coordination: Serve as liaison and coordinate among agencies that
collect, manage or use the same types of natural resource information to prevent
duplication of effort and promote information sharing.
- Objective 2 – Standards: Through the NHP, WIS, and the GIS programs, assist in the
development of standards for the collection of natural resource information.
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GOAL 3: Provide User Support and Tools:
Besides insuring natural resource information is available, NRIS has a goal to help users
make the best use of the information by providing technical assistance, consulting, and
developent of information analysis and interpretation tools. This assistance and tools
help people effectively use the information. Without the tools to analyze and interpret
information, data has far less value.
- Objective 1 – Provide Technical Assistance: Through the NHP, WIS, and the GIS
provide technical assistance and consultation to state agency and other NRIS data
patrons.
- Objective 2 – Create Tools: When appropriate, develop and make available the
tools for the access and use of natural resource information.
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