Structure of the NHFEU

Province

The broadest spatial scale of the NHFEU used by WDNR is the Province level. Provinces are distinguished by climatic factors that control the distribution of biomes, such as solar radiation and continental precipitation patterns. Potential natural vegetation zones like those mapped by Kuchler often correspond with Province boundaries.

Province 212, the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province, encompasses the northern Lake States and much of the New England area--http://www.fs.fed.us/colormap/ecoreg1_provinces.conf?568,149 (exit DNR). Province 222, the Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province, includes southern Wisconsin as well as much of the central portion of the Eastern United States--http://www.fs.fed.us/colormap/ecoreg1_provinces.conf?568,246 (exit DNR). The division between these Provinces is the area known as the "Tension Zone" in Wisconsin. Along this Zone, the northern coniferous-deciduous forest changes gradually into the southern oak forest/savanna and former prairie region.

Wisconsin Province, Section, & Subsection Map in .jpg format