National Coordinated Common Resource Area (CRA) Geographic Database

Background

A Common Resource Area (CRA) map delineation is defined as a geographical area where resource concerns, problems, or treatment needs are similar. It is considered a subdivision of an existing Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) map delineation or polygon. Landscape conditions, soil, climate, human considerations, and other natural resource information are used to determine the geographic boundaries of a Common Resource Area (General Manual Title 450 Subpart C 401.21)

Explanation

The National Coordinated CRA Geographic Database provides:

• A consistent CRA geographic database;
• CRA geographic data compatible with other GIS data digitized from 1:250,000 scale maps, such as land use/land cover, political boundaries, Digital General Soil Map of the U.S. (updated STATSGO), and ecoregion boundaries;
• A consistent (correlated) geographic index for Conservation Management Guide Sheet information and the eFOTG;
• A geographic linkage with the national MLRA framework.

Development Standards

National Instruction 430-303

GIS Data Products

• NRCS Access
  CRA Geographic Database version 1.1 GIS data products are available for NRCS staff use and testing. Go to my.NRCS Technology Tab and click on Common Resource Area (CRA) Geographic Database for electronic access instruction.
• Public Access
  A public version will be available after NRCS testing of version 1.1 is complete.