PRESETTLEMENT LAND COVER MAPS

The Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) of the Department of Natural Resources compiled original General Land Office survey tree data and landscape descriptions from 1856 or earlier. The presettlement land cover maps for Houghton and Keweenaw Counties present the best available information about the landscape prior to widespread European settlement. The table of presettlement land cover acreage by cover type for Keweenaw County includes Isle Royale, which is not shown on the maps. 

Note: The MNFI recognizes that there are likely to be errors inherent in interpretation and data input. Location error in the statewide presettlement land cover database ranges from 80 to 186 meters. 

Houghton County Presettlement Land Cover
Viewable Map (GIF 158k)   Printable Map (PDF 1,725k)
Acreage Table  (PDF 11k)

Keweenaw County Presettlement Land Cover
Viewable Map (GIF 132k)  Printable Map (PDF 860k)
Acreage Table (PDF 7k)