Biotic Inventory and Analysis in Wisconsin State Forests

The Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory Program, in cooperation with the DNR Division of Forestry, has completed "biotic inventories" for Wisconsin's State Forest properties since the early 1990's. A biotic inventory is one of several sources of information used when developing a state forest master plan. These projects are designed to provide baseline information on rare species, high-quality natural communities, significant aquatic features, and the overall ecology of these properties.

Biotic inventory projects have been conducted for the Brule River State Forest, the Northern Highlands American Legion State Forest, the Black River State Forest, the Flambeau River State Forest, the Peshtigo River State Forest, and the Coulee Experimental Forest. Work is currently in progress on the Governor Knowles State Forest. Funding for the state forest biotic inventories is provided by the Endangered Resources Fund and the Division of Forestry.

Reports summarizing the findings of these inventories, along with other ecological information relevant to these properties, are available here. These reports provide an ecological context for each property, identify characteristic and unique natural features, and highlight opportunities to conserve biological diversity. Ecologically significant sites in and near the forests are identified and briefly described. In addition to the department master planning teams, we hope these report are useful to property managers, administrators, conservation groups, private landowners, and others who have an interest in conserving the biological diversity of these portions of Wisconsin's landscape.

To request a hardcopy of one of the state forest Biotic Inventory Reports please contact Drew Feldkirchner