TheNational Natural Landmarks in Michigan include 12 of the almost 600United StatesNational Natural Landmarks (NNLs). They cover areas of geological and biological importance, and includebogs, several forest types, and habitats for several rare species. The landmarks are located in 12 of the state's83 counties. Two counties have two Natural Landmarks each, while two Landmarks are located in parts of two counties. The first designation,Warren Woods State Park, was made in 1967, while the most recent, thePorcupine Mountains, was made in 1984.[1] Natural Landmarks in Michigan range from 24 to 11,600 acres (9.7 to 4,694.4 ha; 0.038 to 18.125 sq mi) in size. Owners includeMichigan State University, private individuals and several state and federal agencies.[2]
The National Natural Landmarks Program is administered by theNational Park Service, a branch of theDepartment of the Interior. The National Park Service determines which properties meet NNL criteria and makes nomination recommendations after an owner notification process. TheSecretary of the Interior reviews nominations and, based on a set of predetermined criteria, makes a decision on NNL designation or a determination of eligibility for designation. Both public and privately owned properties can be designated as NNLs. Owners may object to the nomination of the property as a NNL.[3] This designation provides indirect, partial protection of the historic integrity of the properties via tax incentives, grants, monitoring of threats, and other means.[4]
| Name | Date | Location | County | Ownership | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Spruce Bog Natural Area | 1976 | 42°18′58.00″N84°11′46.49″W / 42.3161111°N 84.1962472°W /42.3161111; -84.1962472 | Jackson | State | Aboreal bog forest with a stand ofblack spruce; illustrates the last stage of evolution in asphagnum bog ecosystem. Although this is not a remote location, it does not have designated trails or signage. Part of Waterloo State Recreation Area. |
| Dead Stream Swamp | 1976 | 44°6′0″N84°10′12″W / 44.10000°N 84.17000°W /44.10000; -84.17000 | Missaukee,Roscommon | State | An extensivenorthern white cedar swamp, illustrating the last stage ofbog forest evolution. Part of Au Sable State Forest. |
| Dukes Research Natural Area | 1974 | 46°21′0″N87°10′0.01″W / 46.35000°N 87.1666694°W /46.35000; -87.1666694 | Marquette | Federal | A swamp containing undisturbed stands of cedar and mixedconifers and old-growth hardwood. Part ofHiawatha National Forest. |
| Grand Mere Lakes | 1968 | 41°59′35″N86°32′59″W / 41.99306°N 86.54972°W /41.99306; -86.54972 | Berrien | State, private | Contains multiple low areas created byLake Michigan's post-glacial ancestors, illustrating aquatic to terrestrial evolution. Provides habitat for several rare species. Part of Grand Mere State Park. |
| Haven Hill State Natural Area | 1976 | 42°38′11″N83°34′23″W / 42.63639°N 83.57306°W /42.63639; -83.57306 | Oakland | State | A small area that incorporates all forest types found in southern Michigan; plays host to over 100 bird species and 17 species of mammals. Part of Highland Recreation Area. |
| Newton Woods | 1976 | 42°0′32.7594″N85°58′16.32″W / 42.009099833°N 85.9712000°W /42.009099833; -85.9712000 | Cass | State | One of theLower Peninsula's last remainingold-growth, mixed-oakhardwood forests. Part of theMichigan State University managed Fred Russ Forest. |
| Porcupine Mountains | 1984 | 46°46′N89°45′W / 46.767°N 89.750°W /46.767; -89.750 | Gogebic,Ontonagon | State | Contains extensivewhite pine and virginnorthern hemlock, as well as wave-cut beaches that mark the shorelines of ancient glacial lakes. Part of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. |
| Roscommon Virgin Pine Stand | 1980 | 44°6′0″N84°10′12″W / 44.10000°N 84.17000°W /44.10000; -84.17000 | Roscommon | State | A large stand of old-growthred pine with a documented history ofwildfires stretching back to 1798. Part of Au Sable State Forest. |
| Strangmoor Bog | 1973 | 46°15′N86°06′W / 46.250°N 86.100°W /46.250; -86.100 | Schoolcraft | Federal | An undisturbed example of astring bog, one of the southernmost locations of this type of bog. Part of Seney National Wildlife Refuge. |
| Tobico Marsh | 1976 | 43°41′51″N83°56′11″W / 43.69750°N 83.93639°W /43.69750; -83.93639 | Bay | State | A mixture of relatively undisturbedhardwood forest, open water andmarshland, frequently used by migratingwaterfowl. Part of Bay City Recreation Area. |
| Toumey Woodlot | 1976 | 42°42′13.428″N84°27′54.36″W / 42.70373000°N 84.4651000°W /42.70373000; -84.4651000 | Ingham | State | One of southern Michigan's lastvirginbeech-maple forests; located on theMichigan State University campus and used for ecological research. Managed by Michigan State University. |
| Warren Woods Natural Area | 1967 | 41°50′00″N86°37′20″W / 41.83333°N 86.62222°W /41.83333; -86.62222 | Berrien | Private | One of southern Michigan's lastvirginbeech-maple forests. Also includes sizable individual specimens ofbeech,maple andsycamore. Part of Warren Woods State Park. |
