Green Infrastructure in Southwest Michigan

Galien Wetland

Russ Forest

Connecting

Is

The

Key

Southwest Michigan is known for its beauty and many opportunities for outdoor recreation.  Therefore the protection and incorporationof these natural features is essential for the continued growth and success of our region.  

Green Infrastructure Inventory

Throughout this project the SWMPC will be gathering and creating digital maps to begin an inventory of all green infrastructure elements in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.  The maps will include elements such as:

• Trails
• State, county and local parks
• Lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands & floodplains
• Sand dunes
• Forests
• Endangered species
• Critical agricultural lands
• Privately protected lands (conservation easements)

Southwest Michigan - Potential Conservation Areas

The mapping effort also includes identifying Potential Conservation Areas.  These maps were developed by Michigan Natural Features Inventory. 

Note:  On these maps, the higher the number, the higher the rank as a potential conservation area.

• Potential Area Conservation Areas in Southwest Michigan 
• Potential Area Conservation Areas in Berrien County
• Potential Area Conservation Areas in Cass County
• Potential Area Conservation Areas in Van Buren County

A report explaining the criteria and methodology used to create these maps can be downloaded by clicking here:

Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Counties Potential Conservation Areas:  Providing Ecological Information for a Green Infrastructure Plan