1997 NRI - Disclaimer

USDA-NRCS Resources Inventory Division, Monday, March 27, 2000

This is to announce that a minor problem was discovered in the 1997 National Resources Inventory (NRI) results released on December 7, 1999. General results and findings previously announced by USDA and NRCS are not significantly affected.

The statistical estimation procedures used to construct the 1997 NRI database contained an error in the computer programming. The Statistical Laboratory (Iowa State University) is working with NRCS to re-process the data, re-apply the statistical estimation procedures, and create a revised NRI database.

The revised statistical processing is not expected to significantly change any previously announced findings. However, there will be minor revisions in almost all of the estimates contained in the 15 summary tables published on the NRI web-site and in the statistical bulletin, Summary Report: 1997 National Resources Inventory. Also affected are estimates obtained through the NRI Online Analysis System (NRI OASys) and any results issued by NRCS state offices.

This announcement will be up-dated as soon as more specifics are available.

The point of contact for this matter is Jeff Goebel at jgoebel@usda.gov, or (301) 504-2270.