One of the appealing aspects of the NatureMapping program is that data collection becomes a valuable component of a national program designed to improve wildlife management. Wisconsin participants can take pride in knowing that the information they provide will contribute to a statewide database.

NatureMapping has its origins in Washington State, where it began as an outreach program of the National GAP Analysis Project - a countrywide program. Idaho GAP Analysis was one of the first projects launched by the national GAP program, many other states and regions have followed. Wisconsin is part of the Upper Midwest Gap Analysis Program. The "gaps" identified are ones where high species diversity is coupled with inadequate conservation status; that is, the project attempts to identify gaps in protection of areas of high species diversity.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are an integral component of the GAP project. Maps with vegetation layers are used to predict species distributions. The vegetation layers are combined with actual wildlife sightings and records from museums to further estimate the distribution of species. The ranges predicted by vegetation analysis however, are not ground-truthed. That is, in most cases, no one has documented the presence or absence of the species as it appears on the distribution map.

In an effort to provide an accurate representation of where animals are, NatureMapping is a way to improve records that document where species occur. Maps can then be generated to show actual observations and predicted distributions.

In addition, the following personal benefits are obtained through NatureMapping:

Educational Experience and Bio-Regional Knowledge
Learning about the plants and animals of your particular area helps to widen your knowledge about the natural resources in your area. Gaining experience with your regional flora and fauna is relevant to the study of science, social studies, art, math, writing, and reading.

Sense of Place Deepens
Becoming knowledgeable about the plants and animals in our communities re-connects us to the place we call home. An increased sense of connection with our particular area is essential to our commitment to taking care of the environment.

Community Involvement
Digitized maps allow us to create, store, update and analyze information. Making the information available to community groups, citizens, conservation organizations, community planners and anyone who needs the information, helps us to plan for the inevitable growth of our communities. Maps are powerful tools - they guide, inform and persuade us.

Questions? Contact info@wisnatmap.org or call 715-877-2212.

This page last updated: 01-17-08        
Webmaster: Sarah Braun