Michigan Natural Features Inventory is conducting vegetative mapping across State Parks in Michigan. In 2024 we are conducting this work in Wilderness State Park using the Michigan Forest Inventory protocol. This protocol provides various ecological data, including mapping of land cover. Staff use this information in many aspects of park administration, especially in planning future public use and infrastructure projects. Such ecological data and vegetation mapping is essential in designating “management zones” across each park. These zones ensure public use and infrastructure projects are complementary and that their location and extent is appropriate and ensures protection of the natural features and biodiversity. The information also establishes “baseline” conditions and relative quality of all areas, allowing ecologist planners to infer locations of rare species and natural communities and threats to their long-term viability.