§ 2004. — Continuing appraisal of soil, water, and related resources.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 16USC2004]
TITLE 16--CONSERVATION
CHAPTER 40--SOIL AND WATER RESOURCES CONSERVATION
Sec. 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.
(Pub. L. 95-192, Sec. 5, Nov. 18, 1977, 91 Stat. 1408; Pub. L. 99-198,
title XII, Sec. 1252(a), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1516.)
Amendments
1985--Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99-198 amended subsec. (d) generally.
Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: ``The appraisal shall
be completed by December 31, 1979, and at each five-year interval
thereafter during the period this chapter is in effect.''
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of certain enforcement functions of Secretary or other
official in Department of Agriculture under this chapter to Federal
Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas
Transportation System, and subsequent transfer to Secretary of Energy,
see note set out under section 2002 of this title.
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in sections 1674, 1675, 2005, 2006 of
this title; title 7 section 3121.
