• Overview

From piping plover to lake trout, Karner blue butterflies to white pine, and even the microscopic organisms living in our soils and waters - scientists call this rich biological heritage Michigan's "biodiversity." No matter what you call it, it's clear that Michigan is home to some very special things and places. At the DNR, it's our mission and responsibility to conserve this biological heritage that makes Michigan, Michigan.

Through the Living Legacies initiative, the DNR is working with many partners to identify, restore and manage those natural places (or ecosystems) in Michigan that, together, best represent the diversity of Michigan's biological heritage. Living Legacies is about making sure - by creating a statewide network of Biodiversity Stewardship Areas (BSAs) - these many different ecosystems and the life within them become a long-lasting legacy shared with residents and visitors.

Living Legacies is built on sound scientific principles, while respecting the diverse ecological, social and economic values and perspectives that are important to Michigan citizens. Through Living Legacies, Michigan will write another chapter in its long history of thoughtful, forward-thinking stewardship of our state's natural resources.

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Process Summary & Timeline 

• How to Recommend An Area

• Definitions of Terms Used

• Regional Recommendations for Potential Areas

• More Information For:

• Forest Products Industry
• Hunters and Trappers
• Outdoor Recreationists
• Private Property Owners
• Land Conservancies and Other Conservation Organizations
• National Forests, National Parks and Other Public Landowners
• DNR Land Managers

• Plants & Habitats at Risk

• Landowner Incentive Program

• Wildlife Action Plan

• State Parks Stewardship Program

• Protection of Threatened Species

• Michigan Natural Features Inventory

• Exotics - Invasive Species

• Natural Areas

• Natural Rivers

• Ecosystem Management