2021 Potagannissing, MI Natural Color, Color Infrared and Hyperspectral Imagery

Wild rice (Zizania palustris and Zizania aquatica), also known as manoomin, plays an integral role in the wetland ecosystems of the Great Lakes and is central to the culture, identity, and livelihood of Indigenous Peoples throughout the region. As manoomin faces increasing threats from climate change, land use change, pollution, invasive species, and other stressors, efforts are underway to protect and restore wild rice populations and habitat.

To support these efforts and help improve mapping and monitoring of wild rice in the Lake Michigan and Lake Huron basins, NOAA's Office for Coastal Management, in collaboration with tribal partners, identified twelve areas of interest (AOI) as pilot sites for airborne hyperspectral imagery and field data collection, which took place in August and September 2021.

In total, airborne hyperspectral imagery (with derived natural color and color infrared) was acquired for 43,493 acres. This imagery, in conjunction with field data and place-based knowledge and expertise of tribal partners, was used to help delineate ~13,775 acres of vegetated wetlands, including ~790 acres of wild rice.

AOI/Pilot Sites

1. Christiana Creek, MI

2. Fletcher Pond, MI

3. Flowerfield Creek, MI

4. French Farm Lake, MI*

5. Hamlin Lake, MI

6. Indiana Dunes, IN

7. Manistee River, MI

8. Miller Woods, IN

9. Nottawa Creek, MI

10. Potagannissing, MI

11. Rocky Creek, MI

12. Tawas Lake, MI

*To request imagery and associated vector and field data for this site, please contact:
Jon Mauchmar
Wildlife Technician
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
Natural Resources Department - Inland Fish & Wildlife Program
Office: 231-242-1670
jmauchmar@ltbbodawa-nsn.gov