What is the Michigan Sensitive Areas Identification System?

The Michigan Sensitive Areas Identification System (SAIS) is an online mapping and reporting tool that identifies and maps sensitive areas on farm fields. You can use SAIS to help evaluate the conservation needs of your fields. This evaluation can be as brief or as in depth as you like. For instance, you can view areas where concentrated water runoff is likely to occur and cause erosion and loss of nutrients. You can also create a report that summarizes potential resource issues on your field and describes conservation practices that you might consider using to reduce these issues. And, if you choose, you can use the report to talk with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for information on how to implement the practices and learn about financial assistance that may be available.

How do I get started?

If you’re ready to evaluate a field, click here. You will be taken to the SAIS Map. From there, the system will help you locate your field, outline field boundaries, and generate a report.

Do I need to provide any information about my farming operation?

You will be able to review some sensitive area information without outlining any field boundaries. However, you will not be able to generate a report without completing this step.


You will be able to generate a basic or detailed report if you outline field boundaries. A basic report can be generated without providing any information about your farming operation. However, by answering a few questions about your operation, you are able to create a more detailed and accurate report. It may be helpful to have the following information handy if you would like the detailed report:

• Recent (less than 3 years old) phosphorus soil test levels in lbs/acres
• Current fertilizer application rate for phosphorus

You have the option to create an account to save your information. In order to create an account, you will need to provide a working email address.

How is my information protected?

All user data is encrypted to prevent others from reading it. Your data will be stored on a secured server that is located on the campus of Michigan State University. If you choose not to create an account, your data is destroyed after a short period of time to prevent others from accessing it.

Where can I get help?

If you’re experiencing any technical issues with the system, please contact Jason Piwarski (piwarsk1@msu.edu).

For assistance in using the system, please contact Laura Young (youngla9@msu.edu).

The following materials may also help you in using the website:

• SAIS Quick Guide
• SAIS Training Package
• SAIS Training Presentation
• SAIS Tutorial Videos
• SAIS Flyer

Where can I provide feedback?

We would love to hear about your experiences using the Sensitive Areas Identification System and any suggestions you may have to improve the system. Send us your feedback here.

Who developed the Sensitive Areas Identification System?

The system was developed by the Michigan State University Institute of Water Research in coordination with the USDA NRCS, Michigan Office. Funding was provided by the Michigan NRCS. Several farmers also contributed to the development of the system through ongoing and thorough feedback sessions.

Where can I find a listing of the BMPs recommended?

You can find a complete listing of the BMPs listed in SAIS here.

Disclaimer:

This system is not required for use for any USDA-NRCS program.

Although data used by the Michigan Sensative Areas Identification Systems has been processed successfully on a computer system at the Insitute of Water Research at Michigan State University, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the accuracy or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata files associated with these data to evaluate data set limitations, restrictions or intended use. The Institute of Water Research at Michigan State University shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein.