***[ [Documentation Guide for]{.smallcaps}]{.underline}:* PRIME AND
UNIQUE FARMLANDS**

**[BACKGROUND]{.underline}**

Prime farmland is land that has the best combination of physical and
chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and
oilseed crops and that is also available for these uses (the land could
be cropland, pastureland, rangeland, forest land, or other land but not
urban or built-up land or water areas).

Unique farmland is land other than prime farmland that is used for the
production of specific high-value food and fiber crops. The land has the
special combination of soil quality, location, growing season and
moisture supply needed to economically produce sustained high-quality
crops and/or high yields of a specific crop when the lands are treated
and managed according to acceptable farming methods.

**[POLICY]{.underline}**

See the General Manual (GM 310 Part 403) for further information on NRCS
policies concerning prime and unique farmlands.

Prime and Unique farmland lists are maintained in the Field Office
Technical Guide, Section II-iii-A, Cropland Interpretations. Contact the
Resource Soil Scientist for assistance when proposed actions are located
in areas that do not have a completed soil survey.

  ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
  **Project:**                                           

  **Date:**                                              

  **Planner:**                                           
  ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------

**[Casefile Documentation]{.underline}: PRIME & UNIQUE FARMLANDS**

***When correctly and completely evaluated this will provide adequate
documentation for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). Attach to NM-ENV-1 when completed***.

**STEP 1.** Are Prime or Unique farmlands present in or near the area
that will be affected by the proposed action or activity?

NO YES

a.  If your answer is \"No\", no additional documentation is needed
    concerning Prime and Unique farmlands. Proceed with planning.

b.  If your answer is \"Yes", go to step 2.

**STEP 2.** What is the effect of the proposed action or activity on the
prime or

Unique farmlands?

NONE POSITIVE NEGATIVE

a.  If your answer is \"None\" (no effects either positive or negative),
    no additional documentation is needed concerning prime and unique
    farmlands. Proceed with planning.

b.  If there are \"Positive\" effects, and the effects are consistent
    with maintaining, protecting and preserving Prime and Unique
    farmland characteristics, document (describe) the positive effects
    on the *Environmental Evaluation and Resource Inventory Worksheet*
    (NM-ENV-1) and this documentation guide and proceed with planning.

c.  If there are \"Negative" effects, document (describe) the effects on
    the *Environmental Evaluation and Resource Inventory Worksheet*
    (NM-ENV-1) and this documentation guide. If the landowner/operator
    still desires technical assistance for the proposed action or
    activity, consult with the Team Leader for additional guidance.
    Refer to General Manual 190 Part 410.20.

**Documentation Notes:**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
       

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------