Dennis A. Albert

Dennis A. Albert is active in Great Lakes wetland research and developing wetland assessment protocols with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agenc...

Atlas of Early Michigan's Forests, Grasslands, and Wetlands
An Interpretation of the 1816–1856 General Land Office Surveys

Dennis A. Albert

This easy-to-use Atlas provides the historical notes and maps of Michigan created by surveyors from the federal General Land Office (GLO) between 1816 and 1856. In addition, present-day maps have been overlain on the historic maps so that readers can locate the original forest and grassland types within Michigan today. This book affords readers the opportunity to see how areas throughout the state appeared to surveyors more than 150 years ago.

Between 1988 and 1995, a team of ecologists assembled the original GLO maps and overlaid topographic, county, and statewide information onto them. They also mapped the boundaries of distinct forest types, modern topography and soils information, and the interpretations of expert field ecologists. Each forest, wetland, or prairie type shown on the GLO maps is accompanied by a photograph, a brief description, and a statewide map showing the distribution of each land type.

CONTENTS:
Preface by Dennis A. Albert
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The General Land Office Surveys
Natural Disturbances
Map Legend and Descriptions
Appendix 1. Common and Scientific Names of Plants and Animals Discussed in the Text
Appendix 2. Glossary of Glacial Geology and Plant Community Terms
Appendix 3. Quaternary Geology of Michigan
References.

Reviews

"...king-sized reference of early Michigan's natural environment...full-page maps allow one to read the names of Michigan's criss-crossing roads....An excellent resource for anyone interested in studying the geographical and environmental layout of Michigan in the past or for possible comparisons in the modern day." - Midwest Book Review

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