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Michigan Natural Features inventory (MNFI) and ConservationBy Lois B. Robbins Oakland County has many high quality natural resource areas that still look and function the way they did 200 years ago, - secret places, dominated by native vegetation and unique natural features. Critical “free” ecological services are likely to be provided in such places. These include keeping our water clean, providing wildlife habitat and travel corridors, offering stopover sites for migratory birds, and controlling floods. With the high rate of development and its associated stresses on the natural environment, conservation of these remaining areas is vital if the County’s diverse natural heritage is to be maintained. As NOHLC seeks to protect high-quality natural areas in Northwest Oakland County, a useful tool for prioritizing properties for preservation has been the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI). MNFI originated with the Nature Conservancy and is now under the auspices of Michigan State University’s Extension Service. Ground inventories, conducted in some areas, have verified other information which was then used to develop a ranking system. Depending on geographic location, the following criteria were used for the ranking of natural areas: Size, Intactness, Upland/Wetland Complex, Core Area & Buffer, Stream Corridor, Landscape Connectivity, Restorability, and Element Occurrences (known quality natural communities & rare species). More information on MNFI can be found at http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/ . Through MNFI, over 700 Oakland County sites have been identified and ranked a Priority One, Priority Two, or Priority Three.
Of the ranked sites in Oakland County, 37% were ranked Priority One; 20% were ranked Priority Two; and 42% were ranked Priority Three. Many high-ranking areas lie within the six northern tier townships served by the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, (Brandon, Groveland, Holly, Independence, Rose and Springfield.) This data is being used by local units of government in land-use planning, by developers, and by conservancies such as NOHLC, as we seek to work together to maintain the County’s diverse natural heritage and water quality. Using MNFI information, Springfield Township has developed a Native Vegetation Enhancement Project to help property owners make wise landscaping decisions that will help to maintain the natural diversity in their area. Information from the Project can be accessed through the EPA, at http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/ecopage/springfieldtwp/index.html . Some Planning Commissions are requiring ground inventories to be conducted on properties in MNFI Priority One areas, prior to development. Municipalities and interest groups using MNFI information should consult the Shiawassee & Huron Headwaters Resource Preservation Project study, where they will find tools and techniques for conserving natural resources while allowing for economically viable development. For additional information, go to http://www.co.oakland.mi.us/peds/program_service/ess.html .
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