ONLINE SOIL SURVEY MAPS AVAILABLE FOR OREGON'S HARNEY COUNTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Chad McGrath, USDA NRCS State Soil Scientist: (503) 414-3003, Chad.McGrath@or.usda.gov
 

Portland, March 26, 2007 — The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the publication of online soil survey data and soil maps for Harney County in southeast Oregon.

The Web Soil Survey site allows free, public access to view online soil survey maps and reports for every state across the United States.

“Anyone with an internet connection can access maps and information on the Web Soil Survey,” said NRCS State Soil Scientist Chad McGrath.

Soil surveys contain many kinds of basic information about the characteristics of the soils in relation to the landscape in a defined area. This information is helpful in making decisions about the suitability, limitations and management of soils for crop production, land use planning, and many other uses, such as forestry, wildlife and recreation. Soil surveys also provide essential information for research, education and conservation efforts.

“Farmers and ranchers, conservationists, municipal planners, developers, and people who need soils information for a variety of uses from industry to gardening are using the Web Soil Survey,” said McGrath.

The information is available on the NRCS Web Soil Survey at: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/

Compilation of soil survey data involves detailed, on-site examinations of soils and the landscape. NRCS Soil Scientists classify soils according to a standard system, map the boundaries of each, and make predictions about their behaviors. In remote and rugged areas, like much of Harney County, the process can be time and labor intensive.

Currently, online soil survey information is available for approximately 86 percent, or 25 million acres, of private and tribal land in Oregon and approximately 49 percent, or 16 million acres, of federal land. Approximately 3.9 million acres of private and tribal lands and approximately 16.8 million acres of federal land remain to be mapped and digitized in the state.

NRCS Soil Scientists note the completion of the Harney County soil survey as a significant milestone in achieving their goal to complete the mapping and digitizing of the private and tribal lands in Oregon by December 31, 2011.

More information about the NRCS Soil Survey program in Oregon can be found on the NRCS Web site at: www.or.nrcs.usda.gov

NRCS provides voluntary technical and financial assistance to people interested in protecting and enhancing soil, water, and related natural resources on non-federal lands. NRCS staffs work in every county in the state and directly assist farmers, ranchers, and others. NRCS is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Local contact information is located in the telephone book under the federal government listing or can be found online at: www.or.nrcs.usda.gov

###

NRCS—Helping people help the land.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people
conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

< Back to Oregon NRCS News Releases