POUGHKEEPSIE- The Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development has launched a new Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) website and an accompanying Environmental Mapper application to help guide land-use decisions and natural resource protection.
The NRI website, nri.dutchessenvironment.com offers residents, municipalities, developers, and county staff tools to explore local natural resources and environmental datasets. The county’s new Environmental Mapper can be accessed at gis.dutchessny.gov/nri.
“Dutchess County boasts an abundance of incredible natural resources which make our community ecologically vital,” said County Executive Sue Serino. “The valuable collaborations between County departments and our State and community partners have made these two new tools possible.”
NRIs serve as comprehensive repositories detailing the physical and biological attributes of an area and aid in the creation and implementation of conservation strategies. With the new tool, residents, environmental groups and educators the opportunity to gain insights into physical and water resources, habitats, and biodiversity as well as land use patterns that are integrated within their local communities.
“County residents recognize that the abundant environmental resources found in the Hudson Valley are what make Dutchess such a special place to live, work, and visit. These two products – the NRI website, paired with our new Environmental Mapper – will enhance our communities’ comprehension and stewardship of the natural resources that enable Dutchess County to flourish,” said Dutchess County Environmental Program Director Devin Rigolino.
