DNR Unveils New Resource Tool on the Web

State wildlife officials today announced a new Web site that will help citizens identify the potential presence of rare species and unique natural features on lands in Michigan.

Called the Endangered Species Assessment, the new Web site can be accessed by going to www.michigan.gov, clicking on Online Services and scrolling down to Business Online Services.

The site is designed to provide private landowners, consultants, local governments, developers, and other citizens with a preliminary evaluation of whether endangered, threatened or special concern species; high quality natural communities or unique natural features have been known to occur at or near a site of interest. Following the preliminary assessment, users may contact the DNR to request a more formal assessment to learn whether rare species or unique natural features have been documented at or near the location.

"The Web site makes it possible for people to access important information about rare species early in the planning process," said Todd Hogrefe, endangered species coordinator. "With this new resource tool, people will be able to anticipate potential adverse impacts and then be able to take the appropriate actions to avoid them."

The Web site was developed through a partnership between the DNR, the Department of Information Technology Center for Geographic Information, and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory at MSU Extension.