Northeast Michigan Integrated Assessment: Ecological Assessment component

Abstract

The following report is the ecological assessment component of the Northeast Michigan Integrated Assessment. The goal of the ecological assessment team was to document the environmental status and trends in the region to inform long-term planning and decision making. The ecological assessment was carried out primarily using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and produced a number of maps of the region’s ecological features. These maps visually summarize a variety of natural features and human influences on natural features, and will be used to inform other portions of the integrated assessment. Results of this assessment have influenced the development of policy options for this integrated assessment, the work of the planning and zoning assessment team, and have been used as educational materials at stakeholder meetings during the final stages of this process.