Assessing Michigan s Biological diversity John Paskus,, Amy Derosier,, Edward Schools, and Helen Enander Michigan Natural Features Inventory MSU Extension
Goal Provide scientifically based information to support the development of a statewide conservation network that adequately protects Michigan s biological diversity Goal of Project: Provide scientifically
Goal Provide scientifically based information to support the development of a statewide conservation network that adequately protects Michigan s biological diversity Goal of Project: Provide scientifically
Key Steps to Project 1. Enhance MNFI/Heritage Database E, T, SC species High quality/rare natural communities 2. Conduct Analysis Approach? Scale and framework? 3. Develop Products Numerous GIS data layers and metadata Technical guide User-friendly publication??
General Approach Coarse Filter = use natural communities to capture common species; key ecological processes + Fine Filter = capture species that slip through the cracks - rare species Prioritization = rank areas based on level of biological significance New Jersey Landscape Florida Forever 2000
2. Scale and Framework Terrestrial - biomes, ecoregions,, landscapes, and vegetation types Aquatic - basins, watersheds, rivers, and lakes ECOREGIONS Solution =Use both Ecological Drainage Units
Regionalization 2. Core Concepts Capture potential genetic diversity and variability Representation Fine filter-coarse filter Diversity of plants, animals, and natural communities Quality (viability) size condition Context Core Ecological Areas Large functional landscapes Functional watersheds High biological rarity (hotspots)
2a. Terrestrial Analysis Fine Filter (Heritage database) Bio-Rarity Hotspots Best 2 EO s per sub-subsection subsection Red Shouldered Hawk Concentration of rare terrestrial spp. with high viability
2a. Terrestrial Analysis Fine/Coarse Filter (Heritage database) All high quality natural communities (> B/C rank) approximately 1% of lands in MI Large number of small isolated patches Identified best occurrences of each type (74) at different scales
Coarse Filter 2a. Terrestrial Analysis Filter (2001 IFMAP and Circa 1800 veg) 1. Natural vegetation core areas ecoregion 2. Potentially unchanged natural vegetation core areas ecoregion 3. Natural vegetation types statewide 4. Matrix patches - statewide Quality of each patch evaluated by Size 1 Size dependent on buffer width and road layer (12) 2
2a. Terrestrial Analysis Integrating data layers 1 example 1. Bio-rarity hotspots 2. High quality natural communities 3. Natural vegetation core areas (210 m; major roads) 4. Potentially unchanged natural vegetation core areas (90m; major roads)
2b. Aquatic Analysis Fine Filter Heritage Database Aquatic Bio-rarity Hotspots Best 2 EOs by watershed
2a. Aquatic Analysis Coarse Filter Lakes and Rivers Coarse scale aquatic classifications Lakes - Higgins et. al. Classification Based on size, connectivity, shoreline complexity, hydrologic regime Rivers - Wiley et al. (VSEC) Classification Based on size, hydrology, water chemistry, valley slope, valley character, water temperature
2b. Aquatic Analysis Functional Watersheds Statewide and within each EDU Quality or integrity based on: Landcover % natural landcover % natural cover in riparian buffer Fragmentation Dams/river mile Road crossings/river mile Pollution % Impervious surface # of point sources
2b. Aquatic Analysis Integrating data layers Species bio-rarity hotspots Rare and high quality lakes Rare and high quality stream valley segments Functional subwatersheds and watersheds
2c. Bringing it All Together Combine terrestrial with aquatic analyses + Identify areas important to both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity
3. Develop Products Mechanism for distribution MDNR Wildlife Division Terrestrial GIS data layers (April, 2007) Aquatic GIS data layers (October, 2007) Technical guide (October, 2007) Down the Road (seeking funding) User-friendly publication (Massachusetts BioMap) Web based application viewer with analysis capability
Funding Provided by: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division