WCTSA Shared Services: Accelerated Technical Assistance

The West Central Technical Service Area (WCTSA) serves 12 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in west central Minnesota and has been experiencing increased workload due to greater requests from member SWCDs. This funding will sustain a limited-term technician and purchase related support equipment to assist landowners in implementing targeted, high priority practices that result in the greatest water quality outcomes. Project design and implementation is being delayed because of the lack of available technical assistance, which has affected landowner interest and participation.

The limited-term technician was hired to address this issue. Existing funding for the position expires in 2014. The technician has gained valuable experience and made project implementation much more efficient. Maintaining that knowledge base is important and sustaining this position will allow the WCTSA to meet increased demands for services, accelerating conservation delivery across the service area.