Progress report for WPDP25-037
Project Information
This project will support 10 rangeland management professionals to become USDA NRCS-certified Technical Service Providers (TSP) in the first year. Certification ensures TSPs are qualified to guide landowners effectively in conservation planning and implementation. The following year, these certified individuals will lead eight workshops, reaching approximately 240 producers/land managers and ag professionals from amongst Arizona’s conservation districts, universities, and other ag/conservation-focused NGOs, on how to write their own conservation plans, which they can use/share with their respective land regulatory agencies.
During Year 1, this project focused on building the technical foundation necessary to expand conservation planning capacity across Arizona. A cohort of ten agricultural professionals was identified and enrolled in the NRCS Technical Service Provider (TSP) certification pathway. These individuals represent diverse geographic regions and agricultural systems, positioning the project to serve producers statewide.
Training is actively underway, including both NRCS certification coursework and ArcGIS instruction to strengthen conservation planning and spatial analysis skills. All training activities remain on schedule for completion by the end of Year 1.
This strategic investment in technical capacity ensures that, in Year 2, certified professionals will be prepared to lead conservation planning workshops for producers and agricultural professionals across the eight NRCS Team Areas. By building local expertise, the project advances Western SARE’s goals of strengthening sustainable agriculture through education, professional development, and practical implementation.
Project Objectives include:
- Increasing Technical Capacity: Enhance the technical capacity of ten agricultural professionals to become certified Technical Service Providers (TSPs), equipping them with the skills and knowledge to support producers in developing conservation plans that meet NRCS criteria and in implementing sustainable agricultural practices effectively.
- Expanding Workforce for Conservation Planning: Address the NRCS resource gap by developing a skilled workforce of TSPs who can provide essential conservation planning services. Historically, utilization of TSPs is low in the Western states, which speaks to the lack of information about TSPs and how they can benefit local agricultural communities working with NRCS.
After engaging with 30 Conservation Districts across Arizona, AACD found that local producers/land managers had a desire to learn how to write their own conservation plans (WPDP21-007). In another survey conducted by AACD’s Technical Support Team, it was discovered that several ag professionals they work with regularly, and others across the state, are interested in gaining or completing certification to become Technical Service Providers (TSPs). TSPs are independent persons or entities certified by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assist farmers, ranchers, and other landowners with conservation planning. Identifying these two related needs, AACD proposes to support 10 ag professionals in obtaining their certification and then having these individuals lead professional development workshops for producers and other land managers where they can learn how to write their own conservation plans.
TSPs undergo a certification process through the NRCS, which includes meeting specific educational, experience, and training requirements. Certification ensures TSPs are qualified to guide landowners effectively in conservation planning and implementation: “Individual TSPs are certified to provide technical service activities according to NRCS standards and specifications for conservation activities. TSPs work on behalf of NRCS, so they maintain the confidentiality of the agricultural producers they help. In addition, TSPs can help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners comply with Federal, state, tribal, and local laws and regulations” (Benefits of the TSP Program).
Conservation planning is a valuable tool in managing working lands. Combining local, on-the-ground knowledge and hands-on skills with scientific-based information can help land managers make more effective resource management decisions (A Beginner’s Guide to Conservation Planning). Having trained ag professionals train local producers/land managers on how to develop their own plans will help ensure that plans are sound and effective and help to get practices on the ground faster.
- Year 1: Training the Trainers
(TSP-Certification):- The first 10 qualified individuals will become TSP-certified through NRCS.
- Estimated Dates: Dates will be announced by NRCS on Dec. 15, and we plan on starting certification processes as soon as funding is
awarded. - Ag professionals will complete 10 classes to become certified.
- Year 2: Conservation Planning
Workshops Lead by TSP-Certified Professionals:- 8 workshops reaching approx. 240 producers/ag professionals held in each of the 8 NRCS Team Areas.
- Estimated Dates: Jan-Dec 2026
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Training the Trainers (TSP Certification)
Year 1 has been dedicated to establishing a strong, qualified network of future NRCS-certified Technical Service Providers.
Ten individuals were formally identified and committed to pursuing TSP certification. Selection emphasized geographic distribution and the ability to support conservation planning efforts within their respective regions.
Participants have begun completing required coursework toward NRCS TSP certification. In parallel, ArcGIS training has been initiated to ensure each participant gains competency in spatial resource assessment and conservation plan development using mapping tools.
All certification and ArcGIS training activities remain on track for completion by the end of Year 1. This timeline supports a seamless transition into Year 2 implementation activities.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Curriculum and Training Development
EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
While Year 1 has focused primarily on professional certification, the framework for Year 2 conservation planning workshops has been developed concurrently.
Workshop design will integrate:
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Conservation planning fundamentals
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NRCS program awareness and application processes
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Hands-on conservation plan development exercises
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Resource inventory and assessment methods
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Practical use of ArcGIS in conservation planning on working lands
Curriculum materials will be finalized upon completion of TSP certification to ensure alignment with NRCS standards and consistency in technical delivery statewide.
OUTCOMES – YEAR 1 FOUNDATIONAL IMPACT
Although workshops are scheduled for Year 2, measurable progress has already occurred in building sustainable systems-level capacity.
Individual-Level Impact
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Ten agricultural professionals are actively progressing toward NRCS TSP certification.
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Participants are strengthening technical knowledge in conservation planning methodologies.
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ArcGIS training is expanding spatial analysis and mapping skills necessary for modern conservation planning.
Organizational and Systems-Level Impact
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A statewide network of soon-to-be TSP-certified professionals has been established.
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Geographic coverage across NRCS Team Areas is being intentionally developed to support regional delivery.
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Capacity is shifting toward locally led conservation planning, reducing reliance on limited agency staff and expanding technical access for producers.
This train-the-trainer approach is designed to create durable, long-term conservation capacity beyond the grant period. By equipping agricultural professionals with both certification and practical teaching skills, the project establishes a sustainable knowledge transfer model that will continue to serve Arizona producers.