Cofrin Center for Biodiversity

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Information Resources

aerial photo of a lake. Northern Lake States

The information provided in this web site centers on the northern forest regions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, with special emphasis on northeastern Wisconsin. This geographic area encompasses the western portion of the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province, as described by the U.S. Forest Service classification of ecoregions in the United States (Bailey 1995). The vegetation and biological communities of this region are transitional between the boreal forest region to the north and the broadleaf deciduous forests of eastern North America. Because the growing season is short (approximately 100-140 frost free days), much of the region has been left or has reverted to forest, providing a major refugium for animal and plant species which have disappeared from other parts of the United States. Opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation are abundant, including six national forests, four national park units, and numerous state and county forests, parks, and wildife areas.

map of the US , showing the Great Lakes States.

Regional Information Sources

Many excellent information resources are available to help you explore the biodiversity and ecology of the Northern Lake States. The following web sites provide original information about our region, and most include links for finding additional details. Click on the name in the table to be transferred to the corresponding site. Also see Places of Interest for information about national forests, national park units, and other highlights of the Northern Lake States.

Great Lakes Information Network	Sponsored by the Great Lakes Commission, provides the most comprehensive source of information about the Great Lakes Basin.
EPA Great Lakes Ecopages	Overview of Great Lakes ecosystems and numerous links to ongoing programs. Sponsored by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Int. Assoc. for Great Lakes Res.	Information about latest news and research in the Great Lakes. Also includes job listings and discussion board.
Wisconsin Dept. of Nat. Resources	Central resource for information about Wisconsin natural resources and biodiversity. Use search facility for best access to this large and comprehensive site.
Minnesota Dept. of Nat. Resources	Central resource for information about Minnesota natural resources and biodiversity.
Michigan Dept. of Nat. Resources	Central resource for information about Michigan natural resources and biodiversity.
Great Lakes Ecological Assessment	Interagency clearinghouse of information sponsored by U.S. Forest Service, USDA and USDI Joint Fire Science Program and others. Reports section is especially valuable.
USGS Great Lakes Science Center	U.S. Geological Survey reference site with numerous links and articles about Great Lakes biological resources.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Serv. Region 3	USFWS information resource for 8 state area, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Biodiversity Topics: Introduction . Plants . Animals . Mammals . Birds . Reptiles & Amphibians . Arthropods . Spiders . Insects