Spreadsheet: 225bb100-6141-4f4e-97af-02059bfc579b
Sheet: CPA-52

U.S. Department of Agriculture |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | MD-NRCS-CPA-52 |  |  | A.  Client Name:
Natural Resources Conservation Service |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8/2013
ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION WORKSHEET |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | B. Conservation Plan ID # (as applicable):
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Program Authority (optional): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to Form Instructions
D.  Client's Objective(s) (purpose): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | C. Identification #  (farm, tract, field #, etc as required):
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Resource Considerations Guide Sheet "Optional"
E.  Need for Action: |  |  |  |  | H.  Alternatives
 |  |  |  |  | No Action |  |  |  |  | √ if RMS |  | Alternative 1 |  |  |  |  | √ if RMS |  | Alternative 2 |  |  |  |  | √ if RMS
Resource Concerns
In Section "F" below, analyze, record, and address concerns identified through the Resources Inventory process.   (See FOTG Section III - Resource Planning Criteria for guidance).
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to Form Instructions
F.  Resource Concerns and Existing/ Benchmark Conditions (Analyze and record the existing/benchmark conditions for each identified concern) |  |  |  |  | I.   Effects of Alternatives
 |  |  |  |  | No Action |  |  |  |  |  |  | Alternative 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Alternative 2
 |  |  |  |  | Amount, Status, Description  (Document both short and long term impacts) |  |  |  |  |  | √ if does NOT meet PC | Amount, Status, Description  (Document both short and long term impacts) |  |  |  |  |  | √ if does NOT meet PC | Amount, Status, Description  (Document both short and long term impacts) |  |  |  |  |  | √ if does NOT meet PC
SOIL: EROSION
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Printing tip:   To allow for printing a few specific individual items such as Guide Sheets to attach you can use the “group” function activated through the tabs along the bottom of the workbook.  Just select one of the tabs you want to print AND hold down the “shift” key and select any of the other tabs that you want to group together.  You have now created a “group” and all those tabs are highlighted together and just those will print for you.      [NAME]:  When you are done printing BE SURE TO RIGHT CLICK on one of the tabs for that group and select “Ungroup Sheets” from the list.  If you do not do this and ungroup them then anything you do on one sheet will also happen to all the other sheets in your group and you will mess up all the formatting if you can’t undo what you accidentally did.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
SOIL: SOIL QUALITY DEGRADATION
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
WATER: EXCESS / INSUFFICIENT WATER
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
WATER: WATER QUALITY DEGRADATION
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
F.  Resource Concerns and Existing/ Benchmark Conditions (Analyze and record the existing/benchmark conditions for each identified concern) |  |  |  |  | I.   (continued)
 |  |  |  |  | No Action |  |  |  |  |  |  | Alternative 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Alternative 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to Form Instructions
 |  |  |  |  | Amount, Status, Description  (Document both short and long term impacts) |  |  |  |  |  | √ if does NOT meet PC | Amount, Status, Description  (Document both short and long term impacts) |  |  |  |  |  | √ if does NOT meet PC | Amount, Status, Description  (Document both short and long term impacts) |  |  |  |  |  | √ if does NOT meet PC
AIR: AIR QUALITY IMPACTS
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
PLANTS: DEGRADED PLANT CONDITION
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
ANIMALS: INADEQUATE HABITAT FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
ANIMALS: LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION LIMITATION
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
ENERGY: INEFFICIENT ENERGY USE
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC |  |  |  |  |  |  | NOT meet  PC
HUMAN: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to Form Instructions
Special Environmental Concerns: Environmental Laws, Executive Orders, policies, etc.
Items with a "●" may require a federal permit or consultation/coordination between the lead agency and another government agency.  In these cases, effects may need to be determined in consultation with another agency.  Planning and practice implementation may proceed for practices not involved in consultation.
G.  Special Environmental Concerns (Document existing/ benchmark conditions) |  |  |  |  | J.   Impacts to Special Environmental Concerns
 |  |  |  |  | No Action |  |  |  |  |  |  | Alternative 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Alternative 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to Form Instructions
 |  |  |  |  | Document impact effects and status of compliance. |  |  |  |  |  | √ if needs further action | Document impact effects and status of compliance. |  |  |  |  |  | √ if needs further action | Document impact effects and status of compliance. |  |  |  |  |  | √ if needs further action
●Clean Air Act
- Not Present
●Clean Water Act / Waters of the U.S.
●Coastal Zone Management
Coral Reefs
- Not Present
●Cultural Resources / Historic Properties
●Endangered and Threatened Species
Environmental Justice
●Essential Fish Habitat
Floodplain Management
Invasive Species |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to start of Form Instructions | Instructions!A30
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Instructions!A116 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 'ResourceConsiderations-optional'!A1 | 'ResourceConsiderations-optional'!A1 | 'ResourceConsiderations-optional'!A1
Maryland Critical Area |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to start of Form Instructions | Instructions!A30
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Instructions!A116 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 'ResourceConsiderations-optional'!A1 | 'ResourceConsiderations-optional'!A1 | 'ResourceConsiderations-optional'!A1
Maryland Forest Conservation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to start of Form Instructions | Instructions!A30
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Instructions!A116 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 'ResourceConsiderations-optional'!A1 | 'ResourceConsiderations-optional'!A1 | 'ResourceConsiderations-optional'!A1
●Migratory Birds/Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
Natural Areas
Prime and [NAME]
Riparian Area
[NAME]
●Wetlands
●Wild and Scenic Rivers
K.  Other Agencies and Broad Public Concerns |  |  |  |  | No Action |  |  |  |  |  |  | Alternative 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Alternative 2
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to Form Instructions
Easements, Permissions, Public Review, or Permits Required and Agencies Consulted.
Cumulative Effects Narrative (Describe the cumulative impacts considered, including past, present and known future actions regardless of who performed the actions)
[NAME] (Record actions to aviod, minimize, and compensate)
M. Preferred Alternative |  |  | √ preferred alternative
 |  |  | Supporting reason
[NAME] (Record context of alternatives analysis) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to Form Instructions
The significance of an action must be analyzed in several contexts such as society as a whole (human, national), the affected region, the affected interests, and the locality.
O.  Determination of Significance or Extraordinary Circumstances
Intensity:  Refers to the severity of impact. Impacts may be both beneficial and adverse. A significant effect may exist even if the Federal agency believes that on balance the effect will be beneficial.  [NAME] cannot be avoided by terming an action temporary or by breaking it down into small component parts.
If you answer ANY of the below questions "yes" then contact the State Environmental [NAME] as there may be extraordinary circumstances and significance issues to consider and a site specific NEPA analysis may be required.
Yes |  | No
 |  |  | ● | Is the preferred alternative expected to cause significant effects on public health or safety?
 |  |  | ● | Is the preferred alternative expected to significantly affect unique characteristics of the geographic area such as proximity to historic or cultural resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical areas?
 |  |  | ● | Are the effects of the preferred alternative on the quality of the human environment likely to be highly controversial?
 |  |  | ● | Does the preferred alternative have highly uncertain effects or involve unique or unknown risks on the human environment?
 |  |  | ● | Does the preferred alternative establish a precedent for future actions with significant impacts or represent a decision in principle about a future consideration?
 |  |  | ● | Is the preferred alternative known or reasonably expected to have potentially significant environment impacts to the quality of the human environment either individually or cumulatively over time?
 |  |  | ● | Will the preferred alternative likely have a significant adverse effect on ANY of the special environmental concerns?  Use the Evaluation Procedure Guide Sheets to assist in this determination.  This includes, but is not limited to, concerns such as cultural or historical resources, endangered and threatened species, environmental justice, wetlands, floodplains, coastal zones, coral reefs, essential fish habitat, wild and scenic rivers, clean air, riparian areas, natural areas, and invasive species.
 |  |  | ● | Will the preferred alternative threaten a violation of Federal, State, or local law or requirements for the protection of the environment?
P.  To the best of my knowledge, the data shown on this form is accurate and complete:
In the case where a non-NRCS person (e.g. a TSP) assists with planning they are to sign the first signature block and then NRCS is to sign the second block to verify the informations accuracy.
 | Signature (TSP if applicable) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Title |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date
 | Signature (NRCS) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Title |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date
If preferred alternative is not a federal action where NRCS has control or responsibility and this NRCS-CPA-52 is shared with someone other than the client then indicate to whom this is being provided.
The following sections are to be completed by the Responsible Federal Official (RFO) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to Form Instructions
NRCS is the RFO if the action is subject to NRCS control and responsibility (e.g.,actions financed, funded, assisted, conducted, regulated, or approved by  NRCS).  These actions do not include situations in which NRCS is only providing technical assistance because NRCS cannot control what the client ultimately does with that assistance and situations where NRCS is making a technical determination (such as [NAME] or wetland determinations) not associated with the planning process.
Q.   NEPA Compliance Finding (check one)
The preferred alternative: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Action required
 |  |  | 1)  is not a federal action where the agency has control or responsibility. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Document in "R.1" below. No additional analysis is required
 |  |  | 2)  is a federal action ALL of which is categorically excluded from further environmental analysis AND there are no extraordinary circumstances as identifed in Section "O". |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Document in "R.2" below. No additional analysis is required
 |  |  | 3)  is a federal action that has been sufficiently analyzed in an existing Agency state, regional, or national NEPA document and there are no predicted significant adverse environmental effects or extraordinary circumstances. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Document in "R.1" below. No additional analysis is required.
 |  |  | 4) is a federal action that has been sufficiently analyzed in another Federal agency's NEPA document (EA or EIS) that addresses the proposed NRCS action and its' effects and has been formally adopted by NRCS.  NRCS is required to prepare and publish its own Finding of No Significant Impact for an EA or Record of Decision for an EIS when adopting another agency's EA or EIS document.  (Note: This box is not applicable to FSA) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Contact the State Environmental [NAME] for list of NEPA documents formally adopted and available for tiering.  Document in "R.1" below. No additional analysis is required
 |  |  | 5)  is a federal action that has NOT been sufficiently analyzed or may involve predicted significant adverse environmental effects or extraordinary circumstances and may require an EA or EIS. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Contact the State Environmental [NAME].  Further NEPA analysis required.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to Form Instructions
[NAME] Supporting the Finding
R.1
Findings Documentation
R.2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Printing tip:   To allow for printing a few specific individual items such as Guide Sheets to attach you can use the “group” function activated through the tabs along the bottom of the workbook.  Just select one of the tabs you want to print AND hold down the “shift” key and select any of the other tabs that you want to group together.  You have now created a “group” and all those tabs are highlighted together and just those will print for you.      [NAME]:  When you are done printing BE SURE TO RIGHT CLICK on one of the tabs for that group and select “Ungroup Sheets” from the list.  If you do not do this and ungroup them then anything you do on one sheet will also happen to all the other sheets in your group and you will mess up all the formatting if you can’t undo what you accidentally did.
Applicable Categorical Exclusion(s) (more than one may apply)   7 CFR Part 650 Compliance With NEPA, subpart 650.6 Categorical Exclusions states prior to determining that a proposed action is categorically excluded under paragraph (d) of this section, the proposed action must meet six sideboard criteria.  See NECH 610.116.
I have considered the effects of the alternatives on the Resource Concerns, Economic and Social Considerations, Special Environmental Concerns, and Extraordinary Circumstances as defined by Agency regulation and policy and based on that made the finding indicated above.
S.  Signature of Responsible Federal Official:
 | Signature |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Title |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date
Additional notes
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Go to Form Instructions
"SOIL EROSION" drop down list
Sheet, Rill & Wind Erosion |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | "SEC" drop down list |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | "SEC" first column
Concentrated flow |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Beneficial Effect |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | - Present
Excessive bank erosion from streams, shorelines or water conveyance channels |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Adverse Effect |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | - Not Present
No resource concern identified |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | No Effect |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | SEC Benchmark
Other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | -Cite source of information
"SOIL QUALITY DEGREDATION" drop down list |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Permit or Authorization Needed
Subsidence |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Further Review Needed |  |  |  |  |  |  | Not present in project area
Compaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Other
Organic matter depletion
Concentration of salts or other chemicals |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | SEC secondary |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Context
No resource concern identified |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Provide supporting information as needed |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | local
Other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | regional
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | national
"EXCESS / INSUFFICIENT WATER" drop down list |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Other
Excess (Ponding, flooding, seasonal high water table, seeps, and drifted snow)
Insufficient (Inefficient moisture management)
Insufficient (Inefficient use of irrigation water)
No resource concern identified
Other
"WATER QUALITY DEGRADATION" drop down list
Excess nutrients in surface and ground waters
Pesticides transported to surface and ground waters
Excess pathogens and chemicals from manure, bio-solids or compost applications
Excessive salts in surface and ground waters
Petroleum, heavy metals, and other pollutants transported to receiving water sources
Excessive sediment in surface waters
Elevated water temperature
No resource concern identified
Other
"AIR QUALITY IMPACTS" drop down list
Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) and PM Precursors
Emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
Emissions of Ozone Precursors
Objectionable odors
No resource concern identified
Other
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Econ
"DEGRADED PLANT CONDITION" drop down list |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Public Health and Safety
Undesirable plant productivity and health |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Land Use
Inadequate structure and composition |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Capital
Excessive plant pest pressure |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Labor
Wildfire hazard, excessive biomass accumulation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Management Level
No resource concern identified |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Profitability
Other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Risk
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Other
"INADEQUATE HABITAT FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE" drop down list
Habitat degradation
No resource concern identified
Other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NEPAcitations
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Agricultural Management Assistance Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Assessment, November 2002
"LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION LIMITATION" drop down list |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Conservation Security/Stewardship Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Assessment, June 2009
Inadequate feed and forage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Emergency Watershed Protection Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, August 2009
Inadequate livestock shelter |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Assessment, January 2009
Inadequate livestock water |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Assessment, January 2009
No resource concern identified |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Grassland Reserve Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Assessment, August 2009
Other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Healthy Forest Reserve Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Assessment, April 2006
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Wetlands Reserve Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Assessment, January 2009
"INEFFICIENT ENERGY USE" drop down list |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Assessment, January 2009
Equipment and facilities
Farming/ranching practices and field operations
No resource concern identified
Other
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Soil Survey
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasts (does NOT include structural activities)
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Plant Materials for Conservation
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Inventory and Monitoring
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | River Basin Studies under Section 6 under Public law (PL) 83-566 as amended
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NEW NRCS Categorical Exclusions:
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1) Planting appropriate herbaceous and woody vegetation, which does not include noxious weeds or invasive plants, on disturbed sites to restore and maintain the sites ecological functions and services;  [NAME] that the established vegetative community maintain the sites ecological functions and services, which could not be accomplished by converting native forests or grasslands.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2) Removing dikes and associated appurtenances (such as culverts, pipes, valves, gates, and fencing) to allow waters to access floodplains to the extent that existed prior to the installation of such dikes and associated appurtenances;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (3) Plugging and filling excavated drainage ditches to allow hydrologic conditions to return to pre-drainage conditions to the extent practicable;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4) Replacing and repairing existing culverts, grade stabilization, and water control structures and other small structures that were damaged by natural disasters where there is no new depth required and only minimal dredging, excavation, or placement of fill is required;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (5) Restoring the natural topographic features of agricultural fields that were altered by farming and ranching activities for the purpose of restoring ecological processes;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6) Removing or relocating residential, commercial, and other public and private buildings and associated structures constructed in the 100-year floodplain or within the breach inundation area of an existing dam or other flood control structure in order to restore natural hydrologic conditions of inundation or saturation, vegetation, or reduce hazards posed to public safety;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (7) Removing storm debris and sediment following a natural disaster where there is a continuing and eminent threat to public health or safety, property, and natural and cultural resources and removal is necessary to restore lands to pre-disaster conditions to the extent practicable. Excavation will not exceed the pre-disaster condition;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (8) Stabilizing stream banks and associated structures to reduce erosion through bioengineering techniques following a natural disaster to restore pre-disaster conditions to the extent practicable, e.g., utilization of living and nonliving plant materials in combination with natural and synthetic support materials, such as rocks, riprap, [NAME], for slope stabilization, erosion reduction, and vegetative establishment and establishment of appropriate plant communities (bank shaping and planting, brush mattresses, log, root wad, and boulder stabilization methods);
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (9) Repairing or maintenance of existing small structures or improvements (including structures and improvements utilized to restore disturbed or altered wetland, riparian, in stream, or native habitat conditions). Examples of such activities include the repair or stabilization of existing stream crossings for livestock or human passage, levees, culverts, berms, dikes, and associated appurtenances;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (10) Constructing small structures or improvements for the restoration of wetland, riparian, in stream, or native habitats. Examples of activities include installation of fences and construction of small berms, dikes, and associated water control structures;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (11) Restoring an ecosystem, fish and wildlife habitat, biotic community, or population of living resources to a determinable pre-impact condition;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (12) Repairing or maintenance of existing constructed fish passageways, such as fish ladders or spawning areas impacted by natural disasters or human alteration;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (13) Repairing, maintaining, or installing fish screens to existing structures;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (14) Repairing or maintaining principal spillways and appurtenances associated with existing serviceable dams, originally constructed to NRCS standards, in order to meet current safety standards. Work will be confined to the existing footprint of the dam, and no major change in reservoir or downstream operations will result;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (15) Repairing or improving (deepening/widening/armoring) existing auxiliary/emergency spillways associated with dams, originally constructed to NRCS standards, in order to meet current safety standards. Work will be confined to the dam or abutment areas, and no major change in reservoir or downstream operation will result;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (16) Repairing embankment slope failures on structures, originally built to NRCS standards, where the work is confined to the embankment or abutment areas;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (17) Increasing the freeboard (which is the height from the auxiliary (emergency) spillway crest to the top of embankment) of an existing dam or dike, originally built to NRCS standards, by raising the top elevation in order to meet current safety and performance standards. The purpose of the safety standard and associated work is to ensure that during extreme rainfall events, flows are confined to the auxiliary/emergency spillway so that the existing structure is not overtopped which may result in a catastrophic failure. Elevating the top of the dam will not result in an increase to lake or stream levels. Work will be confined to the existing dam and abutment areas, and no major change in reservoir operations will result. Examples of work may include the addition of fill material such as earth or gravel or placement of parapet walls;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (18) Modifying existing residential, commercial, and other public and private buildings to prevent flood damages, such as elevating structures or sealing basements to comply with current State safety standards and Federal performance standards;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (19) Undertaking minor agricultural practices to maintain and restore ecological conditions in floodplains after a natural disaster or on lands impacted by human alteration. Examples of these practices include: mowing, haying, grazing, fencing, offstream watering facilities, and invasive species control which are undertaken when fish and wildlife are not breeding, nesting, rearing young, or during other sensitive timeframes;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (20) Implementing soil control measures on existing agricultural lands, such as grade stabilization structures (pipe drops), sediment basins, terraces, grassed waterways, filter strips, riparian forest buffer, and critical area planting;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (21) Implementing water conservation activities on existing agricultural lands, such as minor irrigation land leveling, irrigation water conveyance (pipelines), irrigation water control structures, and various management practices.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | USDA Categorical Exclusions:
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1) Policy development; planning and implementation which relate to routine activities, such as personnel, organizational changes, or similar administrative functions;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2) Activities which deal solely with the funding of programs, such as program budget proposals, disbursements, and transfer or reprogramming of funds;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (3) Inventories, research activities, and studies, such as resource inventories and routine data collection when such actions are clearly limited in context and intensity;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4) Educational and informational programs and activities;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (5) Civil and criminal law enforcement and investigative activities;
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6) Activities which are advisory and consultative to other agencies and public and private entities, such as legal counseling and representation; and
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (7) Activities related to trade representation and market development activities abroad.