Jesse Lincoln
Conservation Scientist - Plant Ecologist
Jesse’s professional interests are driven by a passion for identifying and stewarding Michigan’s natural communities and then communicating their value to a range of audiences. Specializing in fire-dependent ecosystems, he focuses on the processes that support their recovery and stability. He has recently worked with other MNFI Scientists to use models to identify previously undocumented fire-dependent natural communities. This innovative approach has not only broadened our understanding of these ecosystems but has also provided an effective approach for identifying conservation priorities across the state.
Jesse’s work is grounded in the belief that the best way to protect our native biodiversity is to identify and protect the best examples of our rare natural communities and manage them in a way that prevents rare species from becoming extinct and common species from becoming rare. These are fantastically complex systems and we are unable to completely understand them. Jesse strives to always learn and to collaborate closely with land managers to implement careful strategies that ensure the resilience of these vital habitats.
His philosophy is that to be a good ecologist one must be unreasonably optimistic. There are many threats to the things we care about but important places do get protected and cared for. He is inspired by the complexity, beauty, and resilience of the natural world. Through his work, he aims to make meaningful contributions to the conservation of our natural heritage: safeguarding our plants, animals, and special places for future generations.
Selected Reports
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Maintaining Natural Red Pine in Michigan: A Framework for Fire Stewardship and Ecological Silviculture
Report Number 2026-10
Lincoln, J.M., and C.C. Wojtowicz
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Natural Community Surveys of Isle Royale National Park, Lake Superior
Report Number 2026-06
Cohen, J.G., J.M. Lincoln, H.D. Enander, and A.F. Stone
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Identifying Recoverable, Fire-Dependent Systems in the Newberry Forest Management Unit
Report Number 2025-36
Lincoln, J.M., M.R. Parr, and J.G. Cohen
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Strategies for Management of Natural Red Pine Forests Across Michigan's State Forest System
Report Number 2025-11
Lincoln, J.M., C.C. Wojtowicz, P.R. Schilke, M.R. Parr, M.E. Anderson, B.J. Stearns, and J.G. Cohen
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Identifying Recoverable, Fire-Dependent Systems on State Forest Land
Report Number 2024-41
Lincoln, J.M., T.J. Bassett, and J.G. Cohen
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Natural Features Inventory and Management Recommendations for Gourdneck State Game Area
Report Number 2023-18
Lincoln, J.M., Y.M. Lee, P.J. Badra, T. J. Bassett, L.M. Rowe, A.A. Cole-Wick, A.P. Kortenhoven, N.J. Smith, and J.G. Cohen
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Natural Features Inventory and Management Recommendations for Pentwater State Game Area
Report Number 2024-25
Lincoln, J.M., A.P. Kortenhoven, Y.M. Lee, L.M. Rowe, A.A. Cole-Wick, P.J. Badra, N.J. Smith, and J.G. Cohen
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An Ecological Evaluation of the Tomahawk Sinkholes and Pine Barrens
Report Number 2024-13
Lincoln, J.M, P.R. Schilke, and J.G. Cohen
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Identification and Management of Natural Red Pine in the Central Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Report Number 2024-12
Schilke, P.R., J.M. Lincoln, and J.G. Cohen
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Natural Community Surveys of Grand Island, Grand Island National Recreation Area, Lake Superior
Report Number 2024-06
Cohen, J.G., J.M. Lincoln, and H.D. Enander
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Natural Community Surveys of the Keweenaw Heartlands
Report Number 2023-32
Bassett, T.J., J.M. Lincoln, and J.G. Cohen
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Ecological Evaluation of the Frost Pocket Pine Barrens in the Grayling Forest Management Unit
Report Number 2023-16
Lincoln, J.M, T.J. Bassett, and J.G. Cohen
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Natural Community Surveys of Huron Islands, Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Superior
Report Number 2023-05
Cohen, J.G., J.M. Lincoln, T.J. Bassett, S.M. Warner, E.A. Haber, H.D. Enander, and R.A. Hackett
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Identifying Recoverable, Fire-Dependent Systems in the Cadillac-Manistee District of the Huron-Manistee National Forest
Report Number 2022-45
Lincoln, J.M, J.G. Cohen, H.D. Enander, T.J. Bassett, C.M. Wilton, and N. J. Smith
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An Ecological Evaluation of Carney Fen in Escanaba State Forest
Report Number 2022-16
Lincoln, J.M.
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Natural Features Inventory and Management Recommendations for Saranac-Lowell State Game Area
Report Number 2022-13
Lincoln, J.M., P.J. Badra, Y.M. Lee, A.P. Kortenhoven, A. Cole-Wick, L. Rowe, C. Ross, R. Rogers, and J.G. Cohen
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An Ecological Evaluation of Portage Creek Complex at Camp Grayling
Report Number 2022-02
Lincoln, J.M., and J.G. Cohen
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Natural Features Inventory and Management Recommendations for Maple River State Game Area
Report Number 2020-10
Lincoln, J.M., A.P. Kortenhoven, P.J. Badra, Y.M. Lee, H.D. Enander, M.J. Monfils, A. Cole-Wick, C.M. Wilton, and J.G. Cohen
Presentations
- Understanding What Remains
- Exploring Michigan’s Wetlands With Michigan Natural Features Inventory
- The Art of Conservation Science (2021)
- 2024 Stewardship Network Virtual Presentation: Identifying Recoverable, Fire-Dependent Systems
- The Art of Conservation Science (2021)
- The Dwarf Lake Iris, A Great Lakes Endemic (2024)
- Quercus alba: Monarch of Michigan Forests (2023)