,,,Michigan's Natural Heritage At Risk: Preserving Open Spaces and Special Places from Uncontrolled Development

Michigan's Natural Heritage At Risk: Preserving Open Spaces and Special Places from Uncontrolled Development


 

Publication Date: June 2003

Publisher: PIRGIM Education Fund

Author(s): Travis Madsen; Brad Heavner; Jasmine Vasavada; Brian Imus

Research Area: Environment

Keywords: land use; sprawl; development

Type: Report

Coverage: Michigan

Abstract:

This report highlights eight natural heritage areas in Michigan that could soon be irrevocably lost. These open spaces and special places are just a small sampling of Michigan's natural heritage that is increasingly threatened by uncontrolled development. Michigan has lost more than one million acres of farmland since 1982. If current trends continue, the state will lose two million acres of open space by 2040, including one quarter of the state's orchards and one quarter of South Michigan's forests.