A stand is a polygon representing a relatively homogenous area of similar cover type. Stands are classified as ‘forested’ (having a canopy of tree species greater than 3 feet tall covering at least 25% of the stand area) or ‘nonforested’ (all stands not meeting the definition of forested). In forested stands, the age class of trees, species composition, basal area stocking, and age structure will be consistent. Nonforested stands are areas of similar species composition.

Fishing Access Sites are point locations for public fishing access on DNR lands. This data is updated through the DNR's forest inventory process.

The mapping and inventory process is an ongoing effort, with reviews being completed on the ground by DNR staff as well as an in-depth review of public comments.

Each year:

Comments on current maps are accepted until Aug. 31 Comments on proposed changes to maps are accepted during open comment periods. Approved changes are incorporated into the maps and go into effect April 1

Type of Road Proposals

Open to ORVs

Roads recommended to be opened to ORV use. Proposals in this category may include roads added because of new construction or because an existing road was missed in the initial inventory. Other proposals in this category include roads that were previously closed to ORV use, but due to a change in circumstances or public input, are recommended to be opened to ORV use.

Closed to ORVs

Roads recommended to be closed to ORV use. Proposals in this category may include newly constructed roads, roads missed in the initial inventory process or roads that were previously open and are now recommended for closure. A recommendation to close roads to ORVs could be for natural resource protection or because of user conflicts.

Closed to All Vehicles

Roads recommended to be closed to all conventional vehicles and ORVs. Proposals in this category may include roads that were previously either open or closed to ORV use and were open to use by conventional vehicles. Closure recommendations could be made due to natural resource damage, for example.

Data Cleanup

Roads recommended to be deleted and removed from the statewide forest road inventory. Proposals in this category include roads that may appear on published DNR forest road maps that no longer exist on the ground. Other proposals in this category include roads that are duplicates of an already existing road that need to be removed. Data cleanup is part of an ongoing effort to ensure accurate forest road maps.

If you need assistance with interpreting forest road maps, email DNR-GIS@Michigan.gov.

If you have questions or comments regarding state-managed forest roads, email DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov.

DNR Ownership data are 40 acre polygons (quarter-quarter grid file) with the GEO_ID field linked to the LOTS database. Updates to the LOTS tables are completed monthly.

Michigan DNR Mineral Leases. Updated Monthly

Feature service of DNR managed GIS data to be published on the MI DNR Open Data site.

Designated Ski Trails are the trails specifically designated for Cross-Country Skiing. Other uses may exist including, but not limited to motorized vehicles, hiking pathways, equestrian trails, etc. The trails are located on State, Federal, County, Local, and Private Lands.

Michigan DNR Parcels

Designated Railtrails are the trails that were formerly railroad corridors that have been converted to recreational trails. The trails are located on State, Federal, County, Local, and Private Lands.

DNR Lands within active unitization agreements. Updated Monthly

Eyes in the Field includes forms for reporting observations of diseased wildlife, tagged fish, mammals such as cougars and feral swine, fish such as sturgeon, birds such as wild turkeys, and reptiles and amphibians such as eastern massasauga rattlesnakes. Additional observation forms will be added in the future.The application is mobile-friendly, so it will work well on any device – smartphone, tablet or desktop computer – and is compliant with federal Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines. To report their data, users select an observation location point on a map and submit other details, including habitat type and appearance of the animal, depending on the type of observation. Observers also can submit photos, videos and audio files through the application.

Feature service of DNR managed GIS data to be published on the MI DNR Open Data site.

Project boundaries are geographic lines that help define the state’s public lands acquisition and disposal strategy (Michigan's Managed Public Land Strategy). As part of the strategy, we will improve project boundary alignments of public lands to more closely reflect actual land ownership. There currently are about 1.9 million acres of privately owned lands scattered within the project boundaries. These boundaries were approved by the Natural Resources Commission in March, 2020.

Michigan DNR Parcel Classes. Updated Monthly.

Designated Motorcycle Trails are the trails specifically designated for Motorcycle Use, which includes ATV Trails and ORV Routes. The trails are located on State, Federal, County, Local, and Private Lands.

Easement Status data comes from the LOTS database and is linked to the quarter quarter grid spatial data.

Michigan DNR Management Unit Boundaries for different DNR Divisions.

Designated Water Trails are the trails specifically designated for water activities (canoes, kayaks, etc.). The trails are located on State, Federal, County, Local, and Private Lands.

Designated MCCCT (Michigan Cycle Conservation Club Trail) are the trails specifically designated for ORV, ATV, or Motorcycle Use. The trails are located on State, Federal, County, Local, and Private Lands.

This is part of the Michigan Shipwrecks Location web map. To view the story map, click here.For more information about Michigan shipwrecks, visit the Michigan History Center's website by clicking here.