State of the Land
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/land/


The Natural Resources Conservation Service (part of the US Department of Agriculture) developed this site to provide data and analysis on land use, soil erosion and quality, water quality, wetlands, and other issues regarding the conservation and use of natural resources on non-federal lands. It includes relevant book and paper summaries, a water quality issues section focusing on farmlands and solutions, and a maps section. The maps are extensive, including many representing findings in the following topics: agricultural productivity, basemaps, grazing land, water supply and quality, wetlands, land cover and use, land capability, private forestland, soil and soil types, soil erosion, urbanization, and conservation needs. The maps are of the US, and highlight changes, trends, and current issues.

This resource originally cataloged at:

DLESE

Subject: Environmental Science:Water Quality and Quantity, Biology, Geoscience:Soils, Environmental Science:Soils and Agriculture, Land Use and Planning, Ecosystems:Habitats, Environmental Science:Sustainability, Geoscience:Hydrology, Environmental Science:Forest Resources, Geoscience:Geology
Resource Type: Audio/Visual:Maps, Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work, Collection
Special Interest: Sustainability
Grade Level: College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16), Graduate/Professional, High School (9-12)
Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Hydrology/Hydrogeology, Teach the Earth:Incorporating Societal Issues:Sustainability, Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Soil, Environmental Science, Teach the Earth:Teaching Topics:Water