NRIS Program Goals

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. 
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. 
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.