Natural Features Inventories are sets of data and maps that are collected and used by communities in order to classify the value of natural features such as wetlands, forest lands, shorelines, and steep slopes. Natural features classifications are based on a feature's scientific qualities and its intrinsic value to the people who live in the community.

The Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council, the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City Land Use and Transportation Study, and the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments co-hosted the December 5th, 2006 workshop in order to raise awareness about natural features inventories and how they are used in community planning. The workshop explored processes for developing a natural features inventory which assigned value based on both science and public input. The process for developing the recently completed Long Lake Township (Grand Traverse County) natural features inventory was also shared. The methods currently used by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy to manage natural features data and prioritize the value of parcels were also presented. Information about where to find publicly available data and map layers to use to develop a local natural features inventory was also presented. The connection between natural features inventories and the upcoming Grand Traverse Area Land Use and Transportation Study was discussed.  Individual presentations and related handouts can be viewed below.  For more information, contact NWMCOG staff at (231) 929-5034.