UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Obtawaing
General information
The University of Michigan Biological Station and Biosphere Reserve is located at the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan on the southern shore of Douglas Lake. Since its establishment in 1909, the biological station has continually served as an instructional and research center for students and scientists from all around the world.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1979
Country
United States of America
Total population
688600
Area
Surface
2,008,100.00 ha
Total terresterial area
2,008,100.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 45.5583 - Longitude: -84.7044
Contact
Ecological Characteristics
The biosphere reserve is located in the northern hardwood forest ecosystem and comprises forests of beech-maple and successional stages of aspen, oak, and pine on the better-drained soils. Moister habitats have spruce, fir, and cedar forests. Wetlands include bogs, fens, swamps, marshes and numerous lakes.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
During this Biosphere Reserve's long research history, natural ecosystems in the area have been monitored in numerous experimental plots and control areas. With its excellent research facilities, the station has also an important education function and receives about 150 students for courses every summer.The region has a rural character with generally low population and with tourism as major industry.