- Campuses :
- Twin Cities
- Crookston
- Duluth
- Morris
- Rochester
- Other Locations
The Water Resources Center is affiliated with the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and University of Minnesota Extension.
Technical Service Provider Information
Why become a Technical Service Provider (TSP)?
Technical Service Providers (TSPs) are needed to provide private landowners with the technical services required to plan and implement conservation activities funded by federal Farm Bill conservation programs and other sources, including Minnesota’s new Clean Water Fund. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides funding for these services directly and through producer contracts. The training offered here will enable qualified participants to meet most of the requirements for certification by NRCS in the listed subject areas.
What is a TSP?
A TSP is a certified professional from the private sector, a non-profit organization, or a public agency who provides private landowners with the technical services necessary to plan and implement conservation activities funded by federal Farm Bill conservation programs, Minnesota's Clean Water Fund, and other sources.
Opportunities for TSPs
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and local conservation districts have traditionally provided conservation technical services and will continue to do so. Due to a significantly higher conservation workload since 2002, however, the NRCS now reimburses producers for certain technical services provided by certified TSPs and may contract directly with certified TSPs for other technical services. More business opportunities for certified TSPs are also anticipated as local governments begin using Minnesota’s Clean Water Fund to implement water quality practices of private lands. Becoming certified gives private consultants an additional service to offer their clients.
- Demand for Conservation Planners in Minnesota (.pdf)
- TMDL public meetings related to impaired waters
How to Become Certified
To become certified or renew certification, go to the Minnesota NRCS TSP web page. Click on “Minnesota NRCS Overview” for a step-by-step description of the certification process.
The NRCS certifies TSPs for many different technical service categories. Read through the criteria for each category to determine if you can meet the criteria and want to become certified. Depending on the category, requirements include being licensed in your field, coursework, experience or demonstrated skills, and/or references.
The courses offered by the TSP Training Initiative are designed to help you meet certification requirements, but are not the only requirements for certification.
Related Links
MN Conservation Training Database
Conservation Plans: Terminology and Programs
Great Lakes Region Conservation Professional Training Program