Ramona Adams
The Agriculture Department‘s U.S. Forest Service and Esri have launched a portfolio of maps and analysis applications in an effort to expand public access to information on the country’s forests.
The geographic information systems company said Thursday the Engagement Portfolio includes the Forestry Inventory and Analysis database and serves to provide information to forestry professionals and conservationists.
“We’re opening up data for more than 800 million acres of US forests and woodlands that provide clean water, clean air, wildlife and fish habitat, recreational opportunities, and resources for economic development,” said Carlos Rodriguez-Franco, USDA Forest Service acting deputy chief for research and development.
“Interactive access to data helps everyone make better decisions about our fragile ecosystem,” added John Steffenson, Esri director of global business development in natural resources.
The Engagement Portfolio also features interactive tools designed to educate the public on the role of forestry in Earth’s sustainability as well as a large-scale map that works to support forest product companies in strategic planning, Esri said.
