Information Requests

MNFI will supply information for species specific requests or for requests based on a geographic area.

Species specific requests are typically only available to contractors working on species assessment plans for a governmental agency or academic researchers. Requests for academic research purposes are designed to fit the needs of the researcher.

For requests based on geographic area, requestors will receive a text file and/or a spreadsheet listing species name, common name, federal status, state status, EO category, last observed date, township, range, and section for all occurrences on the quadrangle. Some particularly sensitive species may only be listed as "sensitive plant" or "sensitive animal". These are the species that are vulnerable to collection. Because of species sensitivity and private property issues MNFI does not distribute information at a finer resolution than the PLSS section (~square mile). Corridor searches are also available upon request.

Procedure for Making a Request

  1. Requestor sends a letter to the address below or preferably an e-mail to mnfi@msu.edu with the following information:
    • Name and address of the company, organization or individual making the request
    • Location of the area to be searched listed by USGS Quadrangle or PLSS town, range and section
    • Intended use of the information
    • Indication if a rush order is desired for an additional $25
  2. MNFI staff will respond to the e-mail by sending an information services agreement
  3. Once the signed information services agreement has been returned to MNFI a search will be performed and an invoice will be generated and sent to the requestor. In the case of a rush order information on the location will be sent and it will be assumed that the fees will be sent in the mail
  4. Upon receipt of the information service fee information will be sent by e-mail to the requestor

Information Services Fee

Geographic searches are charged by the USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle. The cost is $50/quad for the data search and an additional $25/quad for quads that have Element Occurrences (EOs) on them. Species specific requests are automatically $75 per search.

For requests with a normal turn-around time, the information is sent when payment is received. We can do rush orders with a 3 day or less turn-around for an additional $25/quad.

For more information regarding data distribution and fees, please read our information request policy.

Contact Information

Again, to submit an information request, please contact us at mnfi@msu.edu or send a written request to the following address:

Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Information Request
PO Box 30444
Lansing MI 48909-7944