My research focus began with the development of a state-wide ecoregional classification for Michigan, and then expanded to multi-state collaboration with state and federal agencies in MN and WI to develop a three-state regional map and classification. More localized Landtype-Association mapping was also conducted with federal and state agencies in MN and WI. As part of the ecoregional mapping of Michigan, I investigated the original land survey notes of the state and my staff and I created a set of digital and paper maps of Michigan's original vegetation (1816-1856), which provide the basis for conducting broad-scale land-use and vegetation change analyses. These maps were republished as a road access for the state to provide broader availability to the public. As lead ecologist for the Michigan Heritage program, I developed state-wide plant community classifications and conducted state-wide inventories of the state's plant communities, including savannas, wet prairies, old-growth forests, dunes, Great Lakes bedrock shorelines, and Great Lakes wetlands. The information from these studies were used for conservation, restoration, and acquisition purposes, and a focal interest was to convert these studies into books and pamplets aimed at Michigan's general public. Another area of focus of my research was coastal Great Lakes wetlands, which we began studying in Michigan and eventually continued throughout the US Great Lakes, and then expanded in collaboration with Environment Canada. These studies have lead to the development of a widely used hydrogeomorphic classification, digital mapping of all Great Lakes wetland, creation of plant and animal metrics for evaluating wetland quality, and ongoing baseline wetland monitoring. A related ongoing research interest is regional wetland study, including involvement in restoration efforts in MI and OR.
