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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 2004. Continuing appraisal of soil, water, and related resources
(a) Data
In recognition of the importance of and need for obtaining and
maintaining information on the current status of soil, water, and
related resources, the Secretary is authorized and directed to
carry out a continuing appraisal of the soil, water, and related
resources of the Nation. The appraisal shall include, but not be
limited to -
(1) data on the quality and quantity of soil, water, and
related resources, including fish and wildlife habitats;
(2) data on the capability and limitations of those resources
for meeting current and projected demands on the resource base;
(3) data on the changes that have occurred in the status and
condition of those resources resulting from various past uses,
including the impact of farming technologies, techniques, and
practices;
(4) data on current Federal and State laws, policies, programs,
rights, regulations, ownerships, and their trends and other
considerations relating to the use, development, and conservation
of soil, water, and related resources;
(5) data on the costs and benefits of alternative soil and
water conservation practices; and
(6) data on alternative irrigation techniques regarding their
costs, benefits, and impact on soil and water conservation, crop
production, and environmental factors.
(b) Collection of data
The appraisal shall utilize data collected under this chapter and
pertinent data and information collected by the Department of
Agriculture and other Federal, State, and local agencies and
organizations. The Secretary shall establish an integrated system
capable of using combinations of resource data to determine the
quality and capabilities for alternative uses of the resource base
and to identify areas of local, State, and National concerns and
related roles pertaining to soil and water conservation, resource
use and development, and environmental improvement.
(c) Public participation
The appraisal shall be made in cooperation with conservation
districts, State soil and water conservation agencies, and other
appropriate citizen groups, and local and State agencies under such
procedures as the Secretary may prescribe to insure public
participation.
(d) Completion dates
The Secretary shall conduct four comprehensive appraisals under
this section, to be completed by December 31, 1979, December 31,
1986, December 31, 1995, and December 31, 2005, respectively. The
Secretary may make such additional interim appraisals as the
Secretary considers appropriate.
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