Biotic Inventory and Analysis of the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest (October, 1999)

A Baseline Inventory (1992-96) and Analysis of Natural Communities, Rare Plants and Animals, Aquatic Invertebrates, and other Selected Features in Preparation for State Forest Master Planning

This inventory and analysis is one of a number of assessments undertaken to prepare for state forest master planning. The report presents the results of a three-year project (1995-97) to inventory and analyze selected biotic resources of the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest (BRSF) and the surrounding landscape. This project was undertaken by the Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) section of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (WDNR) Bureau of Endangered Resources in cooperation with the Bureau of Forestry to provide baseline ecological information relevant to the development of a new property Master Plan for the Forest.

The primary objectives of this project were:

• The identification and evaluation of natural communities.
• The identification and evaluation of rare or otherwise significant plant and animal populations.
• The identification and evaluation of selected aquatic features and their associated biotic communities.
• The identification of sites appropriate for the restoration of lost or declining communities or important habitats.
• To emphasize especially important protection, management, and restoration opportunities, focusing on both unique and representative natural features of this property and the surrounding landscape.
• The interpretation and transfer of the information gathered to the property master planning team, and ultimately to managers, administrators, and others involved in the implementation of land use decisions on the state forest.

For more background and a summary of results, please see the Executive Summary of the Biotic Inventory and Analysis of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.

To review an electronic version of the Biotic Inventory see: dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/nhi/projects/state/nhal.htm