East Hudson Valley News

The Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development has launched a new Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) website and an accompanying Environmental Mapper application to aid in land-use decisions and natural resource protection. The NRI website, nri.dutchessenvironment.com, offers innovative tools for exploring local natural resources and environmental datasets, while the Environmental Mapper can be accessed at gis.dutchessny.gov/nri.

County Executive Sue Serino expressed her excitement about the new tools, stating, “Dutchess County boasts an abundance of incredible natural resources which make our community ecologically vital. The valuable collaborations between County departments and our State and community partners have made these two new tools possible. I thank everyone involved in their creation, and I encourage residents to explore these new applications to examine the natural resources that make our environment unique.”

The new NRI website and Environmental Mapper provide various benefits for different users. Residents, environmental groups, and educators can gain insights into local resources, habitats, biodiversity, and land use patterns. They can also understand the potential impacts of climate and climate change on natural resources. On the other hand, municipalities, developers, and County Planning and Development staff can utilize the tools for environmental discussions, conservation planning, advising on policy, and informing future planning endeavors.

Devin Rigolino, Dutchess County Environmental Program Director, highlighted the importance of the new tools, stating, “County residents recognize that the abundant environmental resources found in the Hudson Valley are what make Dutchess such a special place to live, work, and visit. These two products – the NRI website, paired with our new Environmental Mapper – will enhance our communities’ comprehension and stewardship of the natural resources that enable Dutchess County to flourish.”

Edie Greenwood, Dutchess County Planning Board Member, also commended the initiative, saying, “This exciting new application will be a benefit to all of us who care about community planning and environmental conservation. The new mapper allows all users easy access to important datasets relating to our natural world. I commend Dutchess County on completing this innovative project.”

The County's efforts align with its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. County Executive Serino mentioned during her State of the County Address the importance of remaining dedicated to the environment to ensure clean air and water for future generations. Dutchess County is working towards applying for Silver Certification under New York State’s Climate Smart Communities program, with the recent addition of the new online resources contributing to this goal.

The development of the new NRI website and Environmental Mapper was supported by a grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund through the Hudson River Estuary Program, in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County and the County’s Office of Central and Information Services. The initiative aims to enhance the community's understanding and stewardship of natural resources in Dutchess County.