What are the Landowner’s Responsibilities?

What are the Landowner’s Responsibilities?

Karl Visser, P.E.Karl Visser, P.E.Illinois TSP Point-of-contactIllinois TSP Point-of-contact

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 2

Relationship Relationship

NRCSNRCSNRCSNRCS

ProducerProducerProducerProducer

TSPTSPTSPTSP

EQIPEQIP

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 3

LandownerLandowner

• Ask NRCS for TSP funding in EQIP contract• Find a certified TSP• Check out TSP• Contract with TSP

Discuss price

• Get Cultural Resources clearance• Monitor TSP progress• Install practice/plan• Submit completion documentation to NRCS• Reimburse TSP

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 4

How Do I Find a TSP?How Do I Find a TSP?

• Consult TechReg website (http://techreg.usda.gov)

Only work performed by TechReg-certified TSP’s is eligible for reimbursement

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 5

Can NRCS Recommend a TSP?Can NRCS Recommend a TSP?

• No

• NRCS does not recommend one TSP over any other

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How Do I Check Out a TSP?How Do I Check Out a TSP?

• Qualifications listed on TechReg website

• Is TSP certified in the specific area?

• Ask TSP for references, past clients

• Discuss price

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 7

TSP Cost - Reimbursement?TSP Cost - Reimbursement?

Q: What if TSP cost is greater than NRCS reimbursement?

A: Full cost of TSP is landowner’s responsibility

NRCS reimbursement is limited to contract amount

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 8

NRCS StandardsNRCS Standards

Q: What if completed practice does not meet NRCS standards?

A: Landowner refund NRCS if TSP services do not meet NRCS standards

NRCS is not liable for TSP’s work

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 9

TSP CertificationTSP Certification

Q: What if the TSP is certified (on the TSP list), but isn’t certified for particular practice?

A: NRCS can’t reimburse producer for work by unqualified TSP

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 10

NRCS ContractNRCS Contract

Q: What if I don’t have an EQIP contract? Can NRCS pay anyway?

A: No. NRCS and producer must have existing contract

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 11

NRCS Funding Availability?NRCS Funding Availability?

Q: What if NRCS funds for TSP assistance aren’t available this year? Can I delay the TSP design until next year?

A: Generally, yes. Talk to NRCS District Conservationist for specific details.

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 12

Landowner Delay?Landowner Delay?

Q: I have TSP funds in my NRCS contract for this year. Can I delay the TSP design to next year?

A: No. You are risking contract default. Talk to District Conservationist for further information.

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 13

Landowner – TSP ConflictsLandowner – TSP Conflicts

Q: Will NRCS help settle conflicts between landowners and TSP?

A: No. TSP and landowner have a contract.

No contract between TSP and NRCS

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Questions?Questions?

TSP Responsibilities

January 10, 2006 Landowner Responsibilities 15

Thank You!Thank You!

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