Sustainable Agriculture Research
Mapping and Analysis of Northern Wisconsin Pre-European Forest

Objectives

Create a database and conduct research and analysis of pre-settlement forest characteristics. General Land Office (GLO) survey tree data for northern Wisconsin will be transcribed and entered into a computer database for multiple future uses, using geographic information systems (GIS). Once digitized, spatial analysis can be done to examine tree species relations and associations and relationship to environmental and physical factors.

Background

Emerging natural resource issues such as biodiversity, forest restoration, and ecosystem management require greater use of ecological information in management. Detailed information on the past composition and distribution of the state's original pre-European settlement forest can provide insight into natural forest dynamics and valuable input into management decisions concerning the issues mentioned above.

The best quantitative information on the state's pre-settlement forests are the original survey notes of the federal GLO surveyors. These surveyors systematically recorded tree species, sizes, and other characteristics of the forest and land they traversed. Copies of these notebooks exist in the State Land Commission office for each township in the state.

This research is a cooperative effort between the DNR and the University of Wisconsin Forestry Department. The database and analyses resulting from this project will be useful in setting defensible goals in such areas as: locations and priorities for forest and wildlife habitat restoration, biodiversity maintenance, old-growth restoration and management, and other uses.

For more information on this topic please contact:
David Mladenoff@facstaff.wisc.edu or,
Gerald Bartelt (608)221-6344