West Central Technical Service Area

Purpose:

To provide engineering assistance to private landowners, via soil and water conservation districts, for a variety of non-point water quality management practices.

Program history:

The West Central Technical Service Area (WCTSA) was established in 2009 as part of the reorganization of the Non-Point Engineering Assistance (NPEA) program.  This program was established in 1994 in conjunction with the Agricultural Best Management Practices and Clean Water Partnership Loan Programs, which receive funding from the State Revolving Fund. Eleven joint powers groups of soil and water conservation districts were created statewide in early 1995 to employ professional engineer and technician teams to provide technical assistance in cooperation with member soil and water conservation districts.  During the 2009 reorganization, the areas were reduced from eleven to eight.  The associated boards are composed of a supervisor from each of the member soil and water conservation districts. One of the member soil and water conservation districts serves as the host district and manager for the engineer and technician team employed by the joint powers boards.

Non-point Engineering Assistance teams provide technical assistance through member soil and water conservation districts and in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and other local, state, and federal agencies. The Board of Water and Soil Resources provides policy, training, administrative, and technical consultation to the technical service area boards and their staff.

The NPEA team for the WCTSA is hosted and employed by the Stearns County SWCD. This efficient arrangement reduces administration overhead and increases conservation program delivery.

Other program information: