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The polygons within this shapefile are the boundaries of potential Ecological Reference Areas (ERAs) as proposed by DNR staff. ERAs are areas that serve as models of ecological reference within the state. They are high quality examples of functioning ecosystems that are primarily influenced by natural ecological processes. ERAs are based on the Michigan Natural Heritage Database of documented natural community sites (Element Occurrences). A subset of these shapefiles were approved as ERAs by the Michigan DNR Director in October 2014, following a public review. The remainder of the polygons were not included in the public review either because approval had not yet been received from the landowner or because at the time the ownership was unknown. The polygons that were not approved as ERAs will be considered during the next review of ERAs. The polygons were developed by starting with selected natural community element occurrence polygons (as created by Michigan Natural Features Inventory) and then clipping by ownership boundaries and management/protection zones.
The polygons within this shapefile are the boundaries of Dedicated Habitat Areas for interior core forest dependent species that were developed by DNR staff and approved by the DNR Director in October 2014 following staff and public reviews. The polygons were developed through spatial analysis of DNR-managed lands, primarily considering cover type and forest inventory data, with consideration of other designations, presence of forested natural community element occurrences (from the Natural Heritage Database), and known occurrences of interior core forest dependent species. Areas with the lowest edge to core ratios and most contiguous forest canopy cover were selected. Most areas are greater than 500 acres. Species listed in the 'Species' attribute are those that have been confirmed either within or in the vicinity of the area and for which it is believed the area could provide habitat, with the exception of inclusions of 'American marten' in the northern Lower Peninsula, which are based upon a habitat suitability model. Confirmation of species is based upon species element occurrences in the Natural Heritage Database, through the Breeding Bird Atlas, or through DNR trapping data.