Ecological Sciences (ECS)

ECS consists of a multidisciplinary team including an agronomist, agricultural economist, biologist, plant materials specialist, grazing specialist, forester, and resource conservationists. The Assistant State Conservationist for Technology leads the ECS staff.  ECS provides leadership, training and technical over-site on conservation planning procedures, methods, and techniques. ECS ensures quality assurance on all conservation planning applications, and ensures that certified professionals meet minimum criteria to perform effective conservation planning on the land.

ECS is responsible for maintaining the National Planning Procedures Handbook, the Field Office Technical Guide, as well as individual discipline manuals and handbooks used in conservation planning and technical assistance delivery in Michigan.

Technical tools and information are available by the following ECS disciplines. 

• Agronomy
• Biology
• Economics
• Forestry
• Grazing
   

National NRCS Ecological Sciences website

Michigan Technical Contact

Gary Rinkenberger, Resource Conservationist
Phone:  517-324-5266
E-mail: gary.rinkenberger@mi.usda.gov