MRBDC About Inventory Process

MINNESOTA RIVER BASIN DATA CENTER

Developing the Data Inventory by Minor Watershed

Inventory Process

The purpose of the Minnesota River Basin Data Center Inventory is to develop information that describes the status and availability of natural resources data by minor watershed. The inventory of data for each of the 1183 minor watersheds of the Minnesota River Basin includes 22 data catageories such as land cover/land use, water monitoring, and drainage. Countywide data were documented as well as project based data. The county based data were used as the basis for developing the minor watershed inventory database. The inventory of state and federal data for the Minnesota River Basin includes 11 categories, similar but not identical to the minor watershed categories. State and Federal data typically were not available by minor watershed. Information from the state and federal inventory is documented by data category. The intent of the inventory was to ascertain the nature, extent and pedigree of data available by minor watershed, not to archive data at the Data Center. County Water Plans, project reports and workplans will be made available on-line when acquired by the Minesota River Basin Data Center.

Local (County and Regional) Inventory

Meetings and discussions by staff determined what specific types of natural resources data to document for the local inventory. Personal interviews were conducted with County Water Planners, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), and other county personnel to document natural resources data at the county level. Information was reviewed and additional calls were made to clarify any questions or to correct inconsistencies. A database was designed, using Filemaker Pro software, and populated with the information collected through the local inventory. The inventory information was returned to county personnel for review and verification. Information in the database was then edited according to suggestions and comments made by county personnel interviewed for the local inventory. Research was conducted for any additional data sources suggested by the county.

State and Federal Inventory

A list was compiled of state and federal agencies associated with natural resources. Agency documents and websites, when available, were researched to determine data categories for the state and federal level inventory. Personal interviews were conducted with contacts from state and federal agencies to document natural resources data existing for the Minnesota River Basin. Data were documented, edited and reviewed using the same methodology as the local inventory. A database was designed, using Filemaker Pro software, and populated with the information collected through the state and federal level inventory. Research was conducted for any additional data sources suggested by state and federal personnel.