**SUBPART A - General Provisions**

**524.00 Overview**

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program that is
designed to assist landowners and others with restoring and conserving
eligible land. The goal of GRP is to conserve and restore two million
acres of eligible land through easements, rental agreements and
restoration agreements. Technical and financial assistance is available
for restoring and protecting the functions and values of grasslands,
land that contains forbs, and shrubland.

The lands targeted for participation, including rangeland and improved
pasture, land that contains forbs and shrubland, provide ecological and
economic benefits to local communities and society in general. The
importance of grasslands lies not only in the immense area they cover,
but also in the diversity of benefits they produce. These lands
contribute significantly to the economies of many regions, provide
biodiversity of plant and animal populations, and play a key role in
environmental quality. Specifically, grasslands and shrublands impact
water quantity and, when properly managed, can result in cleaner water
supplies, healthy riparian areas, reduce potential for flooding by
controlling sediment loadings in streams and other water bodies. These
lands are vital for the production of forage for domestic livestock, and
provide forage and habitat for maintaining healthy wildlife populations.
These lands also improve the aesthetic character of the landscape,
provide scenic vistas and open space, provide recreational
opportunities, and protect the soil from water and wind erosion.

This part will provide:

-   general information about the GRP,

-   the sources of program authority, and

-   roles and responsibilities.

**a General Administration**

The Secretary of Agriculture delegated the authority to administer GRP
on behalf of the CCC, to the Administrator, Farm Service Agency (FSA)
and the Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). These
agency leaders are officers of the CCC. The Secretary also delegated
certain responsibilities to the Forest Service (FS). NRCS has lead
authority for easement projects and FSA has the lead authority for
agreements

**b Program Emphasis**

The emphasis of GRP is to protect and restore privately owned grasslands
to:

-   preserve high quality grasslands, land that contains forbs, and
    shrublands,

-   help eligible landowners, conserve and protect eligible lands that
    are subject to risk of conversion,

-   support grazing operations, and

-   maintain and improve plant and animal biodiversity,

**c Enrollment Options**

GRP enrollment options include permanent and 30-year easements and
10-year, 15-year, 20-year, or 30-year rental agreements. Restoration
agreements are required when the grassland functions and values of the
land need to be improved. Restoration agreements are made in conjunction
with either an easement and rental agreement option.

**d Source of Authority**

The GRP is authorized by 16 U.S.C. 3838n through 3838q.

The program regulations have not been published. For FY2003 GRP is
operating under a Notice of Funds Avialability published in the Federal
Register on June 13. See Exhibit 524.xx

**524.01 Roles and Responsibilities**

**a General**

NRCS and FSA have been jointly delegated the responsibility to
administer GRP. Although many of the leadership activities are performed
jointly, the responsibility for most activities performed at the local
level have been assigned to one agency. NRCS State Conservationists and
FSA State Executive Directors have flexibility to determine how best to
deliver the program if either agency lacks resources to effectively
deliver the program.

**b National Headquarters**

The Chief, NRCS, and the Administrator, FSA provide:

-   program policy and administrative guidance,

-   funding allocations to achieve national program objectives,

-   budget formulation, and

-   oversight of State operations.

*Note*: NRCS Regional Conservationists provide leadership to NRCS State
Offices regarding administrative procedures and evaluation of State
developed standards and specifications.

**c FSA State Offices**

In addition to the activities described in paragraph (e) that are
jointly conducted by NRCS and FSA at the State level, FSA State
Executive Directors are responsible for the following activities:

-   conduct contract enrollment activities as described in paragraph
    524.xx

-   monitor and tract acreage and funding obligations.

**d NRCS State Offices**

In addition to the activities described in paragraph (e) that are
jointly conducted by FSA and NRCS at the State level, NRCS State
Conservationists are responsible for the following activities:

-   serving as Chairperson of the State Technical Committee,

-   developing agreements with other Federal and State agencies and
    other partners for the most efficient use of personnel and other
    resources to meet the GRP workload demand and to achieve
    ecologically sound and cost-effective projects,

-   designate staff persons and delegate appropriate authorities to
    carry out NRCS activities at the State, Area, and Field office
    level,

-   prepare necessary State supplements to this manual,

-   conduct a thorough review of legal jurisdictional requirements for
    recording easements, including the need for legal surveys,

-   determine the method of cost-sharing based on GM 120, Part 404,

-   conduct easement enrollment activities,

-   monitor enrolled lands unless this responsibility is delegated to a
    third party,

-   track progress and accomplishments in the GRP database,

-   complete payment documents and provide documents to FSA for
    processing

-   track financial outlays and provide financial reports,

-   coordinate technical standards and specifications used for
    restoration,

-   coordinate priorities and procedures with adjoining States,

-   ensure that conservation treatment in restoration agreements is in
    accordance with the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG), planning
    activities are in accordance with the National Planning Procedures
    Handbook (NPPH), and this manual.

**e Joint NRCS and FSA State Activities**

NRCS and FSA at the State level shall jointly:

-   determine, with advice from the State Technical Committee, State
    policy, procedures and guidelines, conservation practice payment
    rates, payment limitations, and cost-share practice lists,

-   establish criteria to evaluate and rank applications for easements
    and rental agreements, and select applications for funding according
    to subpart C.

-   establish statewide guidelines with advice from the State Technical
    Committee, and

-   conduct outreach activities.

> **f FSA Field Offices**

In addition to the activities described in paragraph (h) that are
jointly conducted by FSA and NRCS at the local level, FSA offices are
responsible for the following activities:

-   take AGI certification and perform compliance associated with such
    certification;

-   attach maps of the land being offered for GRP to the application;
    and

-   complete appropriate contract documents according to paragraph
    524.xx; and

-   issue payments according to paragraph 524.xx.

> **g NRCS Field Offices**

In addition to the activities described in paragraph (h) that are
jointly conducted by FSA and NRCS at the local level, the Designated
Conservationist or other local NRCS representative is responsible for
the following activities:

-   complete land eligibility determinations and the program ranking
    sheet,

-   complete all conservation planning activities in accordance with
    NPPH and this manual,

-   ensure that National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements
    are met according to NPPH and GM 190, Part 410, when applicable,

-   mark easement boundaries of offered land, complete the Present
    Condition Report according to Exhibit 524.xx,

-   complete a preliminary restoration plan, when applicable,

-   complete appropriate easement documents according to paragraph
    524.xx

-   forward application packages to the State Office.

-   prepare final restoration plans after projects are accepted,

-   arrange for the application of conservation practices that are
    identified in restoration agreements and ensure the practices meet
    the standards and specifications in the FOTG,

-   provide the participant with technical assistance to comply with the
    terms of the easement, rental agreement or restoration agreement,

-   certify practice establishment for payment,

-   complete status reviews until practices are established,

-   advise the State Conservationist of compliance and easement
    enforcement issues unless this responsibility has been delegated to
    another party, and

-   conduct other activities considered necessary by the State
    Conservationist.

> **h Joint NRCS and FSA Field Level Activities**
>
> NRCS and FSA at the local level shall jointly conduct outreach and
> program educational activities and
>
> conduct signup activities. Each agency shall be able and willing to
> assist persons with completing program applications and providing
> other information necessary to enroll land in the program.
>
> Both agencies shall ensure that marketing efforts reach all potential
> GRP participants, including limited-resource farms and ranchers,
> beginning farmers and ranchers, Tribal Nation and Alaska Natives, and
> socially disadvantaged owners of eligible land.
>
> **524.02 Other Agency and Organization Involvement**
>
> **a Conservation Districts**
>
> Conservation Districts may participate by:

-   convening local workgroups,

-   recommending resource objectives

-   recommending priorities, ranking criteria, eligible practices and
    the development of average costs at the county or local level,

-   assisting with local education and outreach efforts,

-   assisting with the development, implementation and approval of
    restoration agreements

-   providing assistance, through cooperative agreements or other
    mechanisms when determined appropriate by the State Conservationist.

> **b Others**
>
> Persons participating in GRP may utilize Technical Service Providers.
>
> The NRCS State Conservationist may permit a private conservation or
> land trust organization, or a State agency to hold and enforce an
> easement acquired through GRP providing certain parameters are met.
> These parameters will be outlined in a regulation published in the
> Federal Register.

**Subpart B - Eligibility Requirements and Application for GRP**

**524.12 Program Eligibility**

**General**

Applicants may submit applications for easements and rental agreements.
Restoration agreements are used in conjunction with easements or rental
agreements but are not offered as an individual enrollment option.
Offers for participation must include no less than 40 contiguous acres,
unless the State Conservationist determines, with input from the State
Technical Committee, a small parcel is appropriate to achieve the
purposes of the program. When selecting offers of eligible lands, the
ranking criteria shall emphasize support for grazing operations; plant
and animal biodiversity; and eligible land under the greatest threat of
conversion. The conversion threat may include conversion to agriculture
or non-agriculture uses or from native species to non-native species.

The State Conservationist and State Executive Director shall decide how
program administration is handled at the local level.

**524.13 Land Eligibility**

**a General**

NRCS may:

-   Conduct an onsite evaluation to determine eligible land if the
    agency is unfamiliar with the offered property.

-   Complete site evaluation for ranking purposes.

-   Develop a Preliminary Assessment to determine if restoration is
    needed.

**b Eligible lands**

Only privately owned land is eligible for participation.

There is no national limitation on the amount of land that can be
offered for the program. However, a State may establish such an acreage
enrollment limitation.

This eligible land criteria applies to both rental agreement and
easement applications. Eligible lands include:

-   rangeland,

-   improved pastureland, including lands with adapted introduced
    species, lands containing plants that will endure for the life of
    the easement or rental agreement, and that will maintain grassland
    functions and values,

-   savannas and shrublands, and

-   riparian areas.

Other eligibility conditions include:

-   incidental lands may be included to allow for efficient
    administration of an agreement or easement as determined by the
    State Conservationist and State Executive Director.

-   land that has existing corrals, barns, pens, etc., necessary for the
    management of the grazing operation are eligible as eligible land.
    However these structures can be maintained in current condition and
    may not be expanded without prior approval.

-   the offered land must not be subject to an existing easement if it
    prevents the landowner or operator with complying the with the terms
    of the easement or agreement.

GRP eligibility is subject to the Conservation Compliance Provisions of
the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, 16 U.S. C. 3801 et seq.
Persons who are in violation of the HELC/WC provisions and who are
currently ineligible for USDA program benefits shall not be eligible to
participate in GRP. When the person\'s eligibility is reinstated, the
person regains eligibility to participate in GRP. See Highly Erodible
Land and Wetland Conservation Determination, NRCS-CPA-026E (Exhibit
524.xx)

**c Ineligible Land**

Publicly owned land is ineligible for GRP. Other ineligible lands
include:

-   land where restoration potential is not adequate to meet the
    objectives of the program;

-   land where deed restrictions prohibit use of the land that would
    defeat any of the purposes of GRP, and

-   land without right of access. Note: for easement projects
    participants must be willing and able to grant to the United States,
    written recorded access to the easement area for the life of the
    easement for the purposes of restoration, when applicable,
    monitoring, and enforcement purposes, including providing access
    from neighboring lands.

In addition to the above criteria, land on which hazardous materials
have been identified, cannot be offered for easement unless the
landowner cleans up the identified contaminated area.

**524.14 Landowner and Tenant Eligibility**

**a Adjusted Gross Income Provisions**

Persons applying for participation in GRP shall not be eligible for
payment when their adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds \$2.5 million, as
determined under the standards set forth in 7 CFR, Part 1400. FSA is
responsible for making AGI determinations. NRCS and FSA field level
employees shall ensure applicants submit appropriate information
according to FSA manual 1-PL. FSA will provide NRCS with a copy of the
written determination prior to NRCS proceeding with the collection of
ranking criteria.

**b Easement Eligibility Requirements**

Only landowners can submit applications for easements. Landowners are
required to meet the conditions in this paragraph in order to be
eligible to sell an easement to the United States. Either NRCS or FSA
can determine whether appropriate evidence of ownership exists. For an
applicant to be eligible to participate in the easement option the
applicant must be a landowner and must provide the following:

-   provide written statement of consent to the easement signed by
    persons holding a security interest or any vested interest in the
    land;

-   provide proof of clear title;

-   comply with other terms of the easement; and

-   provide access to NRCS or its representative for easement
    administration and monitoring activities.

**c Rental Agreements**

Both landowners and operators can submit applications for rental
agreements. However, signatures of both parties are needed before a
contract can be approved. When an application is received from a tenant,
NRCS will not proceed with project ranking until the applicant submits
evidence of control of the land for the life of the intended agreement.

**524.15 Application for GRP**

**a About the Application Process**

Landowners who are interested in GRP participation must apply by
completing an AD-1153 ([Exhibit 514.56
\<M_440_514_i.htm\>]{.underline}).

Upon application for an easement, the landowner(s) will receive the
following:

-   A sample copy of the Grassland Reserve Program Warranty Easement
    Deed (CCC-1255-Grass ??) The Warranty Easement Deed is the basic
    document used by a landowner to grant and convey to NRCS an easement
    with appurtenant rights of access to the easement area. Revisions to
    the Warranty Easement Deed are not permitted. A \"special
    provisions\" section may be added to the document for special
    requirements that may warrant some individual reference, such as a
    special instance under State law, but only if it is approved by the
    National Program Manager and Deputy Assistant General Counsel,
    Natural Resources Division, OGC, Washington D.C.

-   A sample copy of the Subordination Agreement and Limited Lien Waiver
    (AD-1158). The Subordination Agreement and Limited Lien Waiver is
    used to subordinate mortgages and obtain limited lien waivers, when
    applicable, to the United States with respect to any and all
    interests of the subordinating party in, or related to, the easement
    area. The form will be recorded with the Warranty Easement Deed.

-   A sample copy of the Option Agreement to Purchase (AD-1157)
    ([Exhibit 514.57 \<M_440_514_i.htm\>]{.underline}). The Option
    Agreement to Purchase is the equivalent of a real estate option
    contract for purchasing land. It is usually signed by the landowner
    before NRCS proceeds with incurring costs for surveys, where
    applicable, title clearance and closing procedures on the easement.
    It is used by NRCS as the mechanism to obligate its funds.

-   Notification of landowner requirement to provide clear title and
    written recorded access rights.

-   Notification of requirement to provide copies of ownership documents
    upon acceptance into the program.

> Upon application for a rental agreement, the applicant will receive:

-   Notification of the requirement to provide copies of ownership
    documents or evidence of control for the length of the intended
    agreement; and

-   a copy of a rental agreement with an agreement appendix.

**b Site Visit**

The local NRCS representative will coordinate and conduct a site visit,
when determined necessary by the State Conservationist, with the
landowner to:

  ------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
  **Step**     **Action**

  1            Verify: land eligibility - the absence of offsite and
               onsite conditions that would preclude successful
               restoration.

  2            Prepare the Restoration Plan, if applicable.

  3            Complete NEPA requirements, when applicable.

  4            Complete ranking worksheet.

  5            Complete a Preliminary Certificate of Inspection and
               Possession ([Exhibit 514.67
               \<M_440_514_i.htm\>]{.underline}) and the Hazardous
               Substance Examination Checklist ([Exhibit 514.68
               \<M_440_514_i.htm\>]{.underline}). The certificate and
               checklist verify that: NRCS has visually and physically
               inspected the property. The landowner is occupying the
               land and by what evidence. There are no apparent, visible
               activities or uses observed that may be unrecorded claims
               against the property which could cloud the landowner\'s
               ability to provide clear title. There are no apparent,
               visible activities or uses by a party other than the
               landowner that could be detrimental or conflict with the
               Government\'s interest in land.

  6            Flag the easement area.

  7            Identify cropping rights that the landowner will retain
               during the fiscal year in which the easement is actually
               recorded as provided for in [section 514.22
               \<M_440_514_d.htm\>]{.underline}.
  ------------ ----------------------------------------------------------

**c Notification of Ineligibility**

Landowners found to be ineligible for GRP will be notified in writing by
the State Conservationist of their status and advised of their appeal
rights. Appeal rights are located in the National Food Security Act
Manual (NFSAM).

**d Submission of Material for Ranking**

The local NRCS representative will include the following documents in
the application packet submitted to the State office for ranking:

  ------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
  **Item**     **Description**

  1            Cover letter certifying eligibility

  2            Application for Long-Term Contracted Assistance (AD-1153)

  3            Current and planned map. Listing of estimated costs.

  4            Land-eligibility determination.

  5            Completed ranking worksheet.

  6            Copy of the deed or other ownership eligibility evidence.

  7            Other related documentation required by the State
               Conservationist.
  ------------ ----------------------------------------------------------

**e Letter of Tentative Acceptance**

After ranking, eligible applications will be selected and approved for
funding.

-   For easement projects:

> The State Conservationist shall send a Letter of Tentative Acceptance
> along with a Notification of Intent to Continue, AD-1159, to funded
> applicants via certified, return-receipt mail. The returned receipt
> card must be kept in the official agreement file. As a means of
> expediting the easement acquisition process, the landowner can be
> contacted directly by telephone or otherwise to determine if the
> landowner is still interested in the program. Upon receipt of verbal
> acceptance, NRCS can begin the appraisal process in advance of
> receiving written notification.
>
> The Letter of Tentative Acceptance will contain the assigned agreement
> number. The agreement number format will be xx-xxxx-x-xxxx . Example:
> Consider the following example agreement number:
>
> xx-8B05-8-0001. In this example \"xx\" represents the WRP cost- share
> agreement series, \"8b05\" represents the GSA FEDSRIP requisition
> code, \"8\" represents the second digit of fiscal year in which the
> funds were obligated, and \"0001\" represents the four-digit
> sequential agreement number assigned by the State.
>
> Within 15 calendar days of receipt of the Letter of Tentative
> Acceptance, landowners must sign and return a Notification of Intent
> to Continue, AD-1159, to the State Conservationist.
>
> Provide a copy of landowner\'s intent to the State Office FNM to
> record estimated information on easement and related restoration

-   For rental agreements:

> The State Conservationist shall send completed GRP-1, with a contract
> appendix, for signature and a conservation plan for the enrolled
> acres. Since in FY2003 USDA is focusing on projects that do not
> require restoration, and funding is extremely limited, a restoration
> agreement should not be necessary.
>
> Landowners who are eligible, but not approved for funding, will be
> notified in writing by the State Conservationist of their status and
> that they are on the waiting list and subject to future availability
> of funds and may be contacted by NRCS or FSA in the if such funds
> become available. At this point, the landowner is considered covered
> by an agreement with NRCS for potential future enrollment.
>
> **f When Landowner Indicates Intent to Continue with an Easement
> Offer**
>
> Once the landowner has indicated an intent to continue, the landowner
> is considered \"enrolled\" in the program. \"Enrolled\" acres will be
> used to track the acreage limitations for permanent and 30-year
> easements. The State Conservationist will notify the local office of
> the landowner\'s intent. The landowner\'s indication of an Intent to
> Continue authorizes NRCS to proceed with activities necessary to
> establish an easement value.
>
> When the landowner intends to continue in the program, the following
> must be submitted to the local NRCS representative:

-   copy of document by which the landowner took title to the easement
    area, and,

-   when applicable, copies of organizational and other supporting
    documents, such as:

-   Articles of Incorporation

-   Partnership Agreements

-   Trusts

-   Conservatorships

-   Power of Attorney

-   Corporate by-laws

-   Corporate officers

-   Trustee appointment

-   Conservator appointment

**g Failure to Return Intent to Continue**

Failure to return the Intent to Continue within the specified time will
result in termination of the application. NRCS or FSA shall notify the
landowner by certified return-receipt mail of the termination. The
returned receipt card must be kept in the official agreement file.

**SUBPART C - Ranking Criteria and Determining Payment Rates**

**524.15 - General Information**

**524.16- Development of Ranking Criteria**

**524.17 - Determining Easement Values and Rental Agreement Payment
Rates**

**524.18-20 Reserved**

**524.15 - General Information**

**a Overview**

Ranking criteria will enable USDA to prioritize applications offered
within each State based on the environmental criteria described below.
Each State will develop a ranking system to ensure consistent and
efficient GRP implementation. The ranking process assists States with
determining the projects that merit enrollment. However, such ranking
does not vest any right or entitlement to funding by an applicant.

**b Ranking Criteria Emphasis**

The ranking criteria will emphasize:

-   support for grazing operations;

-   biodiversity of plants and animals; and

-   grasslands with the greatest risk of conversion.

**c Special Projects**

For FY 2003 States do not have the authority to enroll projects outside
of the ranking process.

**524.16 Ranking Criteria Development**

**a Policy**

The State Conservationist, with assistance from the State Technical
Committee:

-   will establish a weighted ranking process to prioritize all eligible
    applications. For FY2003 priority should be given to applications of
    existing grasslands and those applications that do not require
    restoration cost-share assistance to achieve restoration objectives.

-   determine whether separate ranking criteria are needed for easement
    and rental agreement applications. If separate ranking criteria are
    developed, 30-year rental agreements will be ranked with easement
    applications.

At least 55 percent of the points must be for conversion risk. Risk of
conversion may include loss of grassland values as a result of invasive
species, loss associated with conversion to cropland, and loss
associated with conversion to urban uses. The point spread on the
ranking system should be of sufficient size to allow differentiation
between applications.

States should strive to develop criteria that does not require a field
visit in FY 2003.

**b Ranking Considerations**

At a minimum, the ranking process will include the following:

-   whether the land is part of an existing grazing operation.

-   the risk of conversion from grassland to cropland or non-agriculture
    use.

-   location significance. Consideration should be given to whether the
    property is adjacent to other protected sites.

-   whether the site serves as habitat or contains plants critical to
    maintain biodiversity.

-   whether the site needs restoration. Note: for FY2003 GRP will focus
    on existing grasslands that require no restoration.

-   operation and maintenance requirements.

-   likelihood that the site will retain its habitat functions and
    values after the easement or agreement period ends. The ranking
    process should consider both the physical site conditions and the
    ownership pattern that may result in some form of increased
    protection such as a separate conservation easement or purchase
    agreement.

-   partnership contributions that reduce USDA\'s cost, such as in-kind
    services or funding contributions.

**c Ranking Process**

Each State will develop a process to collect and rank each application.

-   The State Conservationist in consultation with the State Executive
    Director, will:\
    · develop ranking criteria, with input from the State Technical
    Committee.\
    · develop a form to record the ranking criteria; in addition to the
    ranking criteria, the form shall include:

-   Number of acres to be enrolled

-   Length of easement or contract

-   Acres to be enrolled that need restoration

-   Estimated annual rental rate or estimated easement cost

-   Acres of Native cover

-   Other ranking criteria developed by the State Conservationist in
    consultation with the State Executive Director

> · develop a process to collect data and rank the applications;\
> · document State Technical Committee's recommendations and comments
> regarding any wetlands enrolled as exceptions to the ranking process.

-   Field Office Staff will:\
    complete ranking form with the landowner;\
    forward the ranking form to State Conservationist;\
    receive from partners any offers to contribute financially or with
    in

**524.17 - Determining Easement Values and Rental Agreement Payment
Rates**

**a Easement Value**

For FY 2003, the State Conservationist and State Executive Director
shall use a formal appraisal to determine the value of easement
projects. The value of the easement shall not exceed the fair market
value of the land minus the grazing value. The fair market value and
grazing value are ascertained through standard real property appraisal
methods. Fair market value is the amount of cash, for which in all
probability the property would have sold on the effective date of the
appraisal, after a reasonable exposure of time on the open competitive
market by a willing and reasonably knowledgeable seller to a reasonably
knowledgeable buyer, with neither acting under any compulsion to buy or
sell, giving due consideration to all available economic uses of the
property at the time of the appraisal process to determine easement
values. The value of the easement shall not exceed the fair market value
of the land. The appraiser will be required to appraise the grazing
value separately from the fair market value. For the purposes of GRP
payment rates, "grazing value" is defined as the grassland value for
seed production, hay production, grazing of livestock and similar uses
consistent with the conservation purpose of the easement.

**b Appraisals**

After the landowner has indicated an intent to continue, an appraisal of
the easement area shall be ordered. See Appraisal instructions found in
Exhibit 524.xx. Appraisal instructions shall not be modified unless FSA
certified appraisers confirm that modifications are needed and the
National Program Managers are notified of the scenario requiring
modification.

Appraisals will be conducted by Certified, General Real Property
Appraisers. Appraisals may be acquired by Federal contract, interagency
agreement, cooperative agreement, or other methods as may be
appropriate.

**c Confidentiality of Appraisal Reports**

The appraisal is considered confidential information and is not to be
distributed. According to the Department of Justice appraisal policy,
utmost caution must be exercised before permitting any Government
appraisal to be examined by a landowner or his/her attorney. The
appraisal document will not be given to the landowner prior to the
landowner signing an option agreement to purchase document. After the
option agreement is signed, the appraisal may be provided to the
landowner upon written request.

**d Appraisal Reviews**

-   Administrative Reviews are completed to ensure that the land value
    results of the appraisal report are reasonable from a business
    decision making perspective. These reviews may be conducted by NRCS
    or FSA and will be conducted on up to 90 percent of all appraisal
    reports.

-   Technical Reviews will be completed by FSA certified appraisers.
    Note, if FSA staff is not available to conduct these reviews some
    partner agencies such as USFWS, USFS and cooperating non-government
    partners may have Certified Land Appraisers on staff that may be
    able to assist with technical reviews.

**e Rental Agreement Grazing Values**

Payment rates for rental agreements, regardless of duration, shall be in
an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the
land under contract.

*Grazing value information to be inserted.*

**SUBPART D - Developing Easements and Agreements**

**524.21 - Easement Acquisition Process**

**524.22 - Developing Rental Agreements**

**524.23-25 Reserved**

**524.21 General**

GRP shall follow the easement acquisition used for the Wetlands Reserve
Program described in 440-Conservation Programs Manual - Part 514. There
are no variations from this policy for GRP.

**524.22 Developing Rental Agreements**

*To be inserted by Jim*