Michigan

Fish, Wildlife and Biodiversity

Michigan Natural Features Inventory (http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/home.cfm)
The Natural Features Inventory provides information on state and federal threatened and endangered plants and wildlife, habitats of particular conservation concern, and stewardship actions designed to benefit these important natural resources. A searchable database provides county-level information on occurrences of threatened and endangered species and communities of concern. **A fee is charged to compile species lists and information for site-specific requests.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (http://www.michigan.gov/dnr)
This is the state agency responsible for the conservation and management of natural resources including wildlife and aquatic resources. In 2005, all states completed a State Wildlife Action Plan to identify and focus management on fish and wildlife in greatest need of conservation. This document provides an overview of key species (primarily nongame) and habitats of conservation concern throughout the state.

Special Sites

Michigan State Housing Development Authority (http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/)
This state agency includes both the State Office of Historic Preservation and the Office of the State Archaeologists, two offices with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation, providing assistance in identifying and protecting historic properties, archaeological sites, burial places, and other cultural sites in the state. The staff includes preservation specialists (including historians, architectural historians, historic architects, and archaeologists). The agency maintains an online database, the Michigan Historic Sites Online to enable the public to locate and retrieve information about the state’s historic resources. The State Archaeologist must be contacted regarding archaeological sites.

Natural Resources Conservation Service- Cultural Resources (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cultural.html)
The NRCS provides financial and technical assistance, including guidance related to cultural resources, to implement conservation practices. Prior to implementation, NRCS staff or other conservation partners will normally conduct site visits that include an inventory of cultural resources. If resources are identified, they can help provide options for preservation and a variety of appropriate land uses. Even if you are not receiving funding from NRCS, the Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator can provide information regarding cultural resources and may be able to visit your property or connect you with other organizations or individuals for assistance. The Cultural Resources Directory can be used to locate your state’s Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator.

Michigan State Archives (http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-54463_19313---,00.html)
The Department of History, Arts and Libraries formerly served as the State Archives. In 2009, the Department of Natural Resources took over this function. Other agencies were also designated as repositories of state historical information. State Archives identifies, preserves, and makes accessible records (such as census records, military records, family histories, and various county, state and federal records) and other documents of historical value to the state. Some records have been digitized: http://seekingmichigan.org/.

Best Management Practices