# Highly Erodible Land Determinations

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The filing of Form AD-1026 "Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification" may prompt USDA to provide technical assistance to the program participant communicating whether the identified field is classified HEL. NRCS is responsible for making the determination.

##   Key Documents

A HEL determination identifies fields subject to HEL conservation provisions. The determination consists of Form NRCS-CPA-026 "*Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation Determination*" which documents the fields and acreage of HEL, along with a map labeling fields HEL or NHEL (non-highly erodible land).

HEL is land that can erode at an excessive rate because of soil properties, leading to long-term decreased productivity. HEL is designated on a field basis and based on the proportion of the total field acreage that contains HEL soils.

 NRCS-CPA-026: Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetland Conservation Determination(192.78 KB)

 Form AD-1026: Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification(1.55 MB)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is a HEL determination?

A HEL determination identifies fields subject to HEL conservation provisions. The determination consists of **Form NRCS-CPA-026 "Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation Determination"** which documents the fields and acreage of HEL, along with a map labeling fields HEL or NHEL (non-highly erodible land).

HEL is land that can erode at an excessive rate because of soil properties, leading to long-term decreased productivity. HEL is designated on a field basis and based on the proportion of the total field acreage that contains HEL soils.

HEL fields are fields where either:
              - 33.3 percent or more of the total field acreage has HEL soils, or
              - 50 acres or more of the field has HEL soils

**Related Forms**

 Form AD-1026: Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification(1.55 MB)

 NRCS-CPA-026: Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetland Conservation Determination(192.78 KB)

### How do you find out if a HEL determination exists on your land?

You may contact your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to obtain the most current HEL determination, if one already exists.

### How do you request a HEL determination when planning to put new land into production?

Producers proposing to produce agricultural commodities on land that does not have a current HEL determination, must notify FSA on Form AD-1026 "Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification"and delineate the location on a map. The request will be referred to the NRCS to determine if the field is HEL.

NRCS may also complete a new HEL determination if a producer changes field boundaries with FSA.

### Now that your request is submitted, what can you expect as NRCS completes the HEL determination?

To identify fields subject to the HEL conservation provisions, NRCS will:
              - Review the field's soil survey for soils on the HEL Soils list. HEL determinations are based on the HEL Soils List in effect January 1, 1990 for the county soil survey. Visit your State's Service Center for a list of HEL soils for your state.	                 - The HEL Soils List identifies soils having an erodibility index (EI) of eight or more as HEL. This index expresses the potential erodibility of a soil in relation to its tolerance for erosion without consideration of applied conservation practices or management. Soils can be classified as highly erodible for either wind or water erosion.
                - Water erosion is partly based on length of slope which is related to the slope of the land. Often, the soil survey indicates a large range for these slope factors. In such cases, these soils are considered Potentially Highly Erodible (PHEL). During the determination process for PHEL soils, NRCS must analyze whether the soil at the site is HEL or NHEL. NRCS will use remote resources or a field review for this evaluation.
              - NRCS will evaluate the field to determine if it meets the HEL criteria:	                 - 33.3percent or more of the field acreage consists HEL soils, or
                - 50 acres or more of the field consists HEL soils.
              - NRCS will complete a HEL determination map by labeling fields meeting the HEL criteria as "HEL" and those not meeting the criteria as "NHEL".
              - NRCS will complete Form NRCS-CPA-026  "Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation Determination,"  attach the HEL determination map, and issue a preliminary technical determination. See example below.

**Preliminary Technical Description**

hel_determination_example_form_page.pdf(127.59 KB)

**HEL Determination Map**

hel_determination_example_map_page.pdf(957.83 KB)

### What can I do if I disagree with the Preliminary Technical Determination NRCS issued me?

You may provide a written request for a reconsideration, or review of an adverse NRCS technical determination within 30 days of receipt. The reconsideration request shall describe the reasoning for why you feel the determination is not accurate and include supporting documentation, if applicable. A reconsideration is usually the most beneficial appeal option because it gives you an opportunity to have the basis for the determination explained to you in detail and provides for an initial or additional field visit which you will be able to participate in.

Another option you may pursue is mediation. Following a written request for mediation, a mediator will work with you and NRCS to improve communications, understand the relevant issues, develop alternatives, and reach a mutually satisfactory resolution. In general, mediation is usually more helpful in disagreements with program decisions rather than technical determinations.

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##   Learn More About Conservation Compliance 

Conservation Compliance: Highly Erodible Lands and Wetlands Provisions
The Food Security Act’s wetland conservation provisions were enacted to assist in protecting the values, acreage, and functions of the Nation's wetlands.

Conservation Compliance Appeals Process
In the event participants do not agree with an NRCS decision, they are afforded various appeal rights. These appeal options will be detailed in the transmittal letter when you receive the preliminary technical determination.

Conservation Compliance for Highly Erodible Land
The Food Security Act’s highly erodible land (HEL) provisions were enacted to protect the Nation’s long-term capability to produce food and fiber. 

Conservation Compliance for Wetlands
The Food Security Act’s wetland conservation provisions were enacted to assist in protecting the values, acreage, and functions of the Nation's wetlands. 

##   Additional Information

### Conservation Compliance Agricultural Commodity List

If you grow agricultural commodity crops and you have Highly Erodible Land (HEL) or wetlands, you may need to meet the Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) or Wetland Conservation (WC) provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended. 
Learn More

### Certified Wetlands Determination

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is responsible for providing program participants technical assistance and certified wetland determinations to assist them in making informed land management decisions in order to remain compliant with the wetland conservation provisions.
Learn More

### Conservation Compliance Glossary

Important terms to know to understand Conservation Compliance.
Learn More

### Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG)

Technical guides are the primary scientific references for NRCS. They contain technical information about the conservation of soil, water, air, and related plant and animal resources.
Learn More