The Montana Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) receives record 1.3 million hits in January 03.

The Montana Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) http://nris.state.mt.us today
announced its web site usage in January 2003 set an all-time record for the
program. The site received nearly 1.3 million hits during more than 59,000
user sessions averaging over 13 minutes each. This represents over 410
cumulative hours of use of the NRIS web site per day by its users.

NRIS Director Jim Hill said, "Over the past three years, we’ve seen steady
increases in the use of our web site. Site hits in that time period have
increased five fold, while user sessions have increased by more than three
fold. We’ve worked hard to make the site more and more valuable to our
users, and these numbers tell us we’re definitely on the right track."

In September 2002, NRIS conducted a survey through its web site to evaluate
its services. Results showed nearly half of the respondents tap NRIS to
research information for a variety of uses and topics; over one-third use
NRIS information for planning; and another third for resource management.
More than half the users download geographic information system (GIS) data,
such as stream and road information, which enables them to make their own
customized maps. Over half also use the NRIS TopoFinder, which allows users
to search for a topographic map by a variety of criteria. The NRIS Water
Information System is consulted by over one-third of users.

Visitors to http://nris.state.mt.us will find a variety of data, reports, maps, and
tools for searching and displaying information. These items help inform
users about important issues facing Montanans, including: drought,
wildfires, water quality, and plants/animals of concern. Website users can
also learn more about fishing opportunities, birdwatching, and wildlife
management.

NRIS was established 18 years ago by the Legislature. A division of the
Montana State Library, NRIS acts as the state’s clearinghouse for natural
resource information. Its staff provides expert assistance to link users
with the best available information on natural resource issues.