Forestry GIS Data
Copies of the WDNR Forestry GIS Library datasets are available to the public via free download. Some data theme can be downloaded in shapefile format. All relevant documentation and FGDC compliant metadata are packaged with the GIS data as a WinZip file. For more information about available Forestry GIS data, contact Janel Pike at Janel.Pike@Wisconsin.gov
Data Format
The Forestry GIS Library Data is available in the format, geographic extent, and geo-referencing system in which the data is maintained and used on the WDNR computer network. Vector data (point, line, or polygon data) will be provided in either ArcView shapefile format. Raster data are provided in ArcInfo Grid format; image data are provided in .tif format. WDNR staff are not available to convert Forestry GIS Library data to other formats as part of a data request.
Geo-Referencing System
Data are provided in the DNR's standard geo-referencing system
- Wisconsin Transverse Mercator based on the 1991 adjustment to
the North American Datum of 1983 (WTM83/91).
Conversion of Forestry GIS Library data from WTM83/91 to other
geo-referencing systems can be carried out using commercially
available GIS software. WDNR staff are not available to carry
out these conversions as part of a Forestry GIS Library Data request.
Back to Top
Download Instructions
1. Right click on the hyperlink.
2. Choose "Save Target As"
3. Browse to place you want to save the data
4. Follow the prompts for filename and click "save".
Available Data Sets
- County Forests
The GIS representation of Wisconsin's County Forests are generalized locations with 40 acres being the minimum area represented. This GIS layer was created by extracting quarter-quarter sections from the 1:24,000-scale Public Land Survey System (PLSS) data layer. An ORACLE database identifies PLSS quarter-quarter-sections containing County Forests. Due to the fact that Fractional and Government lots are not identified by Quarter-Quarter section in the ORACLE database, it was not possible to include them in this layer. These excluded areas account for approximately 2% of the total County Forest areas. Download this dataset (zip file). - Dispatch Groups
A Dispatch Group is a collection of WDNR's Division of Forestry Fire Response Units (FRUs), containing the ranger stations that are dispatched out of a common location for the fire suppression. There are currently nine Dispatch Groups within the state of Wisconsin. Download this dataset (zip file). - Forest Crop Law
Generalized spatial representation of lands enrolled by landowners in the Forest Crop Law program. Parcels smaller than 40 acres are not delineated in this layer, but are represented by the 40-acre quarter-quarter they lie within. A PLSS quarter-quarter section indicator (from Tax Law ORACLE database) was used to select quarter-quarter section polygons from the PLSS grid. This process results in polygons of 40 acres, minimum. However, the actual size of the enrolled property may be as small as 10 acres. Certain government lots or fractional lots, that cannot be represented by a PLSS quarter-quarter number, are not included in this GIS layer. An estimated 3% of the FCL lands are excluded from this layer because of this issue. Download this dataset (zip file). - Fire Occurrence
The Bureau of Forest Protection has compiled historical fire report data into a single relational database. Currently, this database is complete for the years 1982 through 2003 in MS Access format. This shapefile is the first attempt at converting the data into a form that can be represented on a map and spatially analyzed. The locational information collected for this shapefile is matched to the public land survey system (PLSS) Quarter-Quarter section polygon centroids (the center of the QQ section). Download this dataset (zip file). - Fire Response Units
Fire Response Units (FRUs) designated by the DNR Forest Protection Bureau. A FRU is the area and equipment for which the personnel at a ranger station are responsible. Download this dataset (zip file). - Fire Protection Areas
Areas of the state are designated in an effort to divide the responsibility of fire suppression. The intensive and extensive areas are at a higher natural risk for fires and the WDNR has the statutory responsibility for fire suppression. The distinctions between intensive and extensive areas are defined in Administrative code (NR30). Download this dataset (zip file). - Managed Forest Law
Generalized spatial representation of lands enrolled by landowners in the Managed Forest Law program. Parcels smaller than 40 acres are not delineated in this layer, but are represented by the 40-acre quarter-quarter they lie within. A PLSS quarter-quarter section indicator (from Tax Law ORACLE database) was used to select quarter-quarter section polygons from the PLSS grid. This process results in polygons of 40 acres, minimum. However, the actual size of the enrolled property may be as small as 10 acres. Certain government lots or fractional lots, that cannot be represented by a PLSS quarter-quarter number, are not included in this GIS layer. An estimated 5% of the MFL lands are excluded from this layer because of this issue. Download this dataset (zip file). - State Forest Invasive Plant Inventory
During the 2006 and 2007 field seasons the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry coordinated a survey of invasive plant species on priority sites in Wisconsin’s northern State Forests for the purpose of collecting information on the ecology of invasive plants, mapping the current existence and extent of invasive plant infestations within the state forests, establishing a baseline GIS database to aid in the development of invasive plant management goals and objectives, increasing departmental and public awareness of invasive plant issues, and creating support for management and prevention programs. Each State Forest identified a list of priority search areas for invasive plant surveys. Priority areas include corridors along roads and trails, homesteads, boat landings, river ways, timber sales, gravel pits, recreational sites and campgrounds.
RSS