Information Request Policy

MNFI is a program of MSUE in partnership with the DNR, and is funded on grants and contracts.To help recover costs of information services and database upkeep and management that are not covered under grants and contracts, fees are charged to process information services as described below. Because MNFI is part of a public university, and receives major funding from a state agency, most services to universities and state agencies are provided free of charge. Those receiving free services must realize that services will be provided when staff are available to process a request.

Entities that will be charged for information services

• For-Profit Entities

  For profit entities are charged for information requests. This includes for profit entities that are contracting with non-profit or governmental entities.

Entities that will incur no cost or limited cost

• Educational/Research Entities

  Information is provided at no cost to universities and students. The information that is provided will be tailored to the specific research needs or geographic extent that is required for the research project. Tabular or GIS information may be supplied, depending on specific need. For requests requiring expensive materials, a fee may be incurred to cover the cost of supplies. For requests that take more than two hours a fee may be negotiated.

• Nonprofit Organizations

  Information is provided at no cost to nonprofit organizations on a case by case basis. The information that is provided will be tailored to the specific need and specific geographic extent required. Tabular information, GIS information, or map products may be supplied, depending on specific need. In some unusual cases a fee may be incurred to cover the cost of supplies.(see above) For requests that take more than two hours a fee may be negotiated.

• Cooperators

  Some organizations and individuals are considered cooperators with MNFI. Typically a cooperator will contribute large amounts of reliable information to MNFI or is a known expert that MNFI relies on for information. These organizations and individuals may receive information for free or at discounted prices. Information requests from cooperators will be handled on a case by case basis.

• Michigan State University Extension

  MNFI will provide appropriate information to MSUE entities at no cost. MNFI will determine the appropriate information to distribute on a case by case basis. In some unusual cases a fee may be incurred to cover the cost of supplies. For requests that take more than two hours a fee may be negotiated.

• Local Units of Government

  Information such as tabular information or GIS shapefiles will be provided at no cost to local units of government. Enhanced information and GIS models can be provided but will incur a cost. In some unusual cases a fee may be incurred to cover the cost of supplies.

For assistance with this site, email mnfi@msu.edu

MSU Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status or family status.