SUBCHAPTER VII—AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM
§3865. Establishment and purposes
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish an agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land.
(b) Purposes
The purposes of the program are to—
(1) combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of the wetlands reserve program established under section 3837 1 of this title, the grassland reserve program established under section 3838n 1 of this title, and the farmland protection program established under section 3838i 1 of this title, as such sections were in effect on the day before February 7, 2014;
(2) restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land;
(3) protect the agricultural use and future viability, and related conservation values, of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land that negatively affect the agricultural uses and conservation values; and
(4) protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible land.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsec. (b)(4).
1 See References in Text note below.
§3865a. Definitions
In this subchapter:
(1) Agricultural land easement
The term "agricultural land easement" means an easement or other interest in eligible land that—
(A) is conveyed for the purpose of protecting natural resources and the agricultural nature of the land; and
(B) permits the landowner the right to continue agricultural production and related uses.
(2) Buy-protect-sell transaction
(A) In general
The term "buy-protect-sell transaction" means a legal arrangement—
(i) between an eligible entity and the Secretary relating to land that an eligible entity owns or is going to purchase prior to acquisition of an agricultural land easement;
(ii) under which the eligible entity certifies to the Secretary that the eligible entity shall—
(I)(aa) hold an agricultural land easement on that land, but transfer ownership of the land to a farmer or rancher that is not an eligible entity prior to or on acquisition of the agricultural land easement; or
(bb) hold an agricultural land easement on that land, but transfer ownership of the land to a farmer or rancher that is not an eligible entity in a timely manner and, subject to subparagraph (B), not later than 3 years after the date of acquisition of the agricultural land easement; and
(II) make an initial sale of the land subject to the agricultural land easement to a farmer or rancher at not more than agricultural value, plus any reasonable holding and transaction costs incurred by the eligible entity, as determined by the Secretary; and
(iii) under which the Secretary shall be reimbursed for the entirety of the Federal share of the cost of the agricultural land easement by the eligible entity if the eligible entity fails to transfer ownership under item (aa) or (bb), as applicable, of clause (ii)(I).
(B) Time extension
Under subparagraph (A)(ii)(I)(bb), an eligible entity may transfer land later than 3 years after the date of acquisition of the agricultural land easement if the Secretary determines an extension of time is justified.
(3) Eligible entity
The term "eligible entity" means—
(A) an agency of State or local government or an Indian tribe (including a farmland protection board or land resource council established under State law); or
(B) an organization that is—
(i) organized for, and at all times since the formation of the organization has been operated principally for, 1 or more of the conservation purposes specified in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of
(ii) an organization described in
(iii) described in—
(I) paragraph (1) or (2) of
(II)
(4) Eligible land
The term "eligible land" means private or tribal land that is—
(A) in the case of an agricultural land easement, agricultural land, including land on a farm or ranch—
(i) that is subject to—
(I) a pending offer for purchase of an agricultural land easement from an eligible entity; or
(II) a buy-protect-sell transaction;
(ii)(I) that has prime, unique, or other productive soil;
(II) that contains historical or archaeological resources;
(III) the enrollment of which would protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring and conserving land; or
(IV) the protection of which will further a State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program; and
(iii) that is—
(I) cropland;
(II) rangeland;
(III) grassland or land that contains forbs, or shrubland for which grazing is the predominant use;
(IV) located in an area that has been historically dominated by grassland, forbs, or shrubs and could provide habitat for animal or plant populations of significant ecological value;
(V) pastureland; or
(VI) nonindustrial private forest land that contributes to the economic viability of an offered parcel or serves as a buffer to protect such land from development;
(B) in the case of a wetland reserve easement, a wetland or related area, including—
(i) farmed or converted wetlands, together with adjacent land that is functionally dependent on that land, if the Secretary determines it—
(I) is likely to be successfully restored in a cost-effective manner; and
(II) will maximize the wildlife benefits and wetland functions and values;
(ii) cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural production prior to flooding from the natural overflow of—
(I) a closed basin lake and adjacent land that is functionally dependent upon it, if the State or other entity is willing to provide 50 percent share of the cost of an easement; or
(II) a pothole and adjacent land that is functionally dependent on it;
(iii) farmed wetlands and adjoining lands that—
(I) are enrolled in the conservation reserve program;
(II) have the highest wetland functions and values, as determined by the Secretary; and
(III) are likely to return to production after they leave the conservation reserve program;
(iv) riparian areas that link wetlands that are protected by easements or some other device that achieves the same purpose as an easement; or
(v) other wetlands of an owner that would not otherwise be eligible, if the Secretary determines that the inclusion of such wetlands in a wetland reserve easement would significantly add to the functional value of the easement; or
(C) in the case of either an agricultural land easement or a wetland reserve easement, other land that is incidental to land described in subparagraph (A) or (B), if the Secretary determines that it is necessary for the efficient administration of an easement under the program.
(5) Monitoring report
The term "monitoring report" means a report, the contents of which are formulated and prepared by the holder of an agricultural land easement, that accurately documents whether the land subject to the agricultural land easement is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the agricultural land easement.
(6) Program
The term "program" means the agricultural conservation easement program established by this subchapter.
(7) Wetland reserve easement
The term "wetland reserve easement" means a reserved interest in eligible land that—
(A) is defined and delineated in a deed; and
(B) stipulates—
(i) the rights, title, and interests in land conveyed to the Secretary; and
(ii) the rights, title, and interests in land that are reserved to the landowner.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Par. (1)(B).
Pars. (2), (3).
Par. (4).
Par. (4)(A)(i).
Par. (4)(B)(i)(II).
Par. (5).
Pars. (6), (7).
§3865b. Agricultural land easements
(a) Availability of assistance
The Secretary shall facilitate and provide funding for—
(1) the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural land easements in eligible land;
(2) technical assistance to implement the program, including technical assistance for the development of a conservation plan under subsection (b)(4)(C)(iv); and
(3) buy-protect-sell transactions.
(b) Cost-share assistance
(1) In general
The Secretary shall protect the agricultural use, including grazing, and related conservation values of eligible land through cost-share assistance to eligible entities for purchasing agricultural land easements.
(2) Scope of assistance available
(A) Federal share
An agreement described in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share determined by the Secretary of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement, as determined by the Secretary using—
(i) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice;
(ii) an areawide market analysis or survey; or
(iii) another industry-approved method.
(B) Non-federal share
(i) In general
Under the agreement, the eligible entity shall provide a share that is at least equivalent to that provided by the Secretary.
(ii) Grasslands exception
In the case of grassland of special environmental significance, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may provide an amount not to exceed 75 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.
(iii) Permissible forms
The non-Federal share provided by an eligible entity under this subparagraph may comprise—
(I) cash resources;
(II) a charitable donation or qualified conservation contribution (as defined in
(III) costs associated with securing a deed to the agricultural land easement, including the cost of appraisal, survey, inspection, and title; and
(IV) other costs, as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Evaluation and ranking of applications
(A) Criteria
The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program.
(B) Considerations
In establishing the criteria, the Secretary shall emphasize support for—
(i) protecting agricultural uses and related conservation values of the land; and
(ii) maximizing the protection of areas devoted to agricultural use.
(C) Accounting for geographic differences
The Secretary may adjust the criteria established under subparagraph (A) to account for geographic differences, if the adjustments—
(i) meet the purposes of the program; and
(ii) continue to maximize the benefit of the Federal investment under the program.
(D) Priority
In evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary may give priority to an application for the purchase of an agricultural land easement that, as determined by the Secretary, maintains agricultural viability.
(E) Bidding down
If the Secretary determines that 2 or more applications for cost-share assistance are comparable in achieving the purpose of the program, the Secretary shall not assign a higher priority to any of those applications solely on the basis of lesser cost to the program.
(4) Agreements with eligible entities
(A) In general
The Secretary shall enter into agreements with eligible entities to stipulate the terms and conditions under which the eligible entity is permitted to use cost-share assistance provided under this section.
(B) Length of agreements
An agreement shall be for a term that is—
(i) in the case of an eligible entity certified under the process described in paragraph (5), a minimum of five years; and
(ii) for all other eligible entities, at least three, but not more than five years.
(C) Minimum terms and conditions
An eligible entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for agricultural land easements so long as the Secretary determines such terms and conditions—
(i) are consistent with the purposes of the program;
(ii) permit effective enforcement of the conservation purposes of such easements;
(iii) include a right of enforcement for the Secretary that—
(I) may be used only if the terms and conditions of the easement are not enforced by the eligible entity; and
(II) does not extend to a right of inspection unless—
(aa)(AA) the holder of the easement fails to provide monitoring reports in a timely manner; or
(BB) the Secretary has a reasonable and articulable belief that the terms and conditions of the easement have been violated; and
(bb) prior to the inspection, the Secretary notifies the eligible entity and the landowner of the inspection and provides a reasonable opportunity for the eligible entity and the landowner to participate in the inspection;
(iv) include a conservation plan only for any portion of the land subject to the agricultural land easement that is highly erodible cropland; and
(v) include a limit on the impervious surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with the agricultural activities to be conducted.
(D) Additional permitted terms and conditions
An eligible entity may include terms and conditions for an agricultural land easement that—
(i) are intended to keep the land subject to the agricultural land easement under the ownership of a farmer or rancher, as determined by the Secretary;
(ii) allow subsurface mineral development on the land subject to the agricultural land easement and in accordance with applicable State law if, as determined by the Secretary—
(I) the subsurface mineral development—
(aa) has a limited and localized impact;
(bb) does not harm the agricultural use and conservation values of the land subject to the easement;
(cc) does not materially alter or affect the existing topography;
(dd) shall comply with a subsurface mineral development plan that—
(AA) includes a plan for the remediation of impacts to the agricultural use and conservation values of the land subject to the easement; and
(BB) is approved by the Secretary prior to the initiation of mineral development activity;
(ee) is not accomplished by any surface mining method;
(ff) is within the impervious surface limits of the easement under subparagraph (C)(v); and
(gg) uses practices and technologies that minimize the duration and intensity of impacts to the agricultural use and conservation values of the land subject to the easement; and
(II) each area impacted by the subsurface mineral development shall be reclaimed and restored by the holder of the mineral rights at cessation of operation; and
(iii) include other relevant activities relating to the agricultural land easement, as determined by the Secretary.
(E) Substitution of qualified projects
An agreement shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of qualified projects that are identified at the time of the proposed substitution.
(F) Effect of violation
If a violation occurs of a term or condition of an agreement under this subsection—
(i) the Secretary may terminate the agreement; and
(ii) the Secretary may require the eligible entity to refund all or part of any payments received by the entity under the program, with interest on the payments as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(5) Certification of eligible entities
(A) Certification process
The Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary may—
(i) directly certify eligible entities that meet established criteria;
(ii) enter into long-term agreements with certified eligible entities;
(iii) accept proposals for cost-share assistance for the purchase of agricultural land easements throughout the duration of such agreements; and
(iv) allow a certified eligible entity to use its own terms and conditions, notwithstanding paragraph (4)(C), as long as the terms and conditions are consistent with the purposes of the program.
(B) Certification criteria
In order to be certified, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the eligible entity—
(i) will maintain, at a minimum, for the duration of the agreement—
(I) a plan for administering easements that is consistent with the purpose of the program;
(II) the capacity and resources to monitor and enforce agricultural land easements; and
(III) policies and procedures to ensure—
(aa) the long-term integrity of agricultural land easements on eligible land;
(bb) timely completion of acquisitions of such easements; and
(cc) timely and complete evaluation and reporting to the Secretary on the use of funds provided under the program;
(ii) has—
(I) been accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, or by an equivalent accrediting body, as determined by the Secretary;
(II) acquired not fewer than 10 agricultural land easements under the program or any predecessor program; and
(III) successfully met the responsibilities of the eligible entity under the applicable agreements with the Secretary, as determined by the Secretary, relating to agricultural land easements that the eligible entity has acquired under the program or any predecessor program; or
(iii) is a State department of agriculture or other State agency with statutory authority for farm and ranchland protection that has—
(I) acquired not fewer than 10 agricultural land easements under the program or any predecessor program; and
(II) successfully met the responsibilities of the eligible entity under the applicable agreements with the Secretary, as determined by the Secretary, relating to agricultural land easements that the eligible entity has acquired under the program or any predecessor program.
(C) Review and revision
(i) Review
The Secretary shall conduct a review of eligible entities certified under subparagraph (A) every three years to ensure that such entities are meeting the criteria established under subparagraph (B).
(ii) Revocation
If the Secretary finds that a certified eligible entity no longer meets the criteria established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may—
(I) allow the certified eligible entity a specified period of time, at a minimum 180 days, in which to take such actions as may be necessary to meet the criteria; and
(II) revoke the certification of the eligible entity, if, after the specified period of time, the certified eligible entity does not meet such criteria.
(c) Method of enrollment
The Secretary shall enroll eligible land under this section through the use of—
(1) permanent easements; or
(2) easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws.
(d) Technical assistance
The Secretary may provide technical assistance, if requested, to assist in compliance with the terms and conditions of easements.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(ii), (iii).
Subsec. (b)(2)(C).
Subsec. (b)(3)(C) to (E).
Subsec. (b)(4)(C)(iii), (iv).
"(iii) include a right of enforcement for the Secretary, that may be used only if the terms of the easement are not enforced by the holder of the easement;
"(iv) subject the land in which an interest is purchased to an agricultural land easement plan that—
"(I) describes the activities which promote the long-term viability of the land to meet the purposes for which the easement was acquired;
"(II) requires the management of grasslands according to a grasslands management plan; and
"(III) includes a conservation plan, where appropriate, and requires, at the option of the Secretary, the conversion of highly erodible cropland to less intensive uses; and".
Subsec. (b)(4)(D) to (F).
Subsec. (b)(5)(A)(iv).
Subsec. (b)(5)(B).
Subsec. (d).
"(1) compliance with the terms and conditions of easements; and
"(2) implementation of an agricultural land easement plan."
§3865c. Wetland reserve easements
(a) Availability of assistance
The Secretary shall provide assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through—
(1) wetland reserve easements and related wetland reserve easement plans; and
(2) technical assistance.
(b) Easements
(1) Method of enrollment
The Secretary shall enroll eligible land under this section through the use of—
(A) 30-year easements;
(B) permanent easements;
(C) easements for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws; or
(D) as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-year contracts.
(2) Limitations
(A) Ineligible land
The Secretary may not acquire easements on—
(i) land established to trees under the conservation reserve program, except in cases where the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of this section; and
(ii) farmed wetlands or converted wetlands where the conversion was not commenced prior to December 23, 1985.
(B) Changes in ownership
No wetland reserve easement shall be created on land that has changed ownership during the preceding 24-month period unless—
(i) the new ownership was acquired by will or succession as a result of the death of the previous owner;
(ii)(I) the ownership change occurred because of foreclosure on the land; and
(II) immediately before the foreclosure, the owner of the land exercises a right of redemption from the mortgage holder in accordance with State law; or
(iii) the Secretary determines that the land was acquired under circumstances that give adequate assurances that such land was not acquired for the purposes of placing it in the program.
(3) Evaluation and ranking of offers
(A) Criteria
The Secretary shall establish evaluation and ranking criteria for offers from landowners under this section to maximize the benefit of Federal investment under the program.
(B) Considerations
When evaluating offers from landowners, the Secretary may consider—
(i) the conservation benefits of obtaining a wetland reserve easement, including the potential environmental benefits if the land was removed from agricultural production;
(ii) the cost effectiveness of each wetland reserve easement, so as to maximize the environmental benefits per dollar expended;
(iii) whether the landowner or another person is offering to contribute financially to the cost of the wetland reserve easement to leverage Federal funds; and
(iv) such other factors as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of the program.
(C) Priority
The Secretary shall give priority to acquiring wetland reserve easements based on the value of the wetland reserve easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife or improving water quality.
(4) Agreement
To be eligible to place eligible land into the program through a wetland reserve easement, the owner of such land shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary to—
(A) grant an easement on such land to the Secretary;
(B) authorize the implementation of a wetland reserve easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f);
(C) create and record an appropriate deed restriction in accordance with applicable State law to reflect the easement agreed to;
(D) provide a written statement of consent to such easement signed by those holding a security interest in the land;
(E) comply with the terms and conditions of the easement and any related agreements; and
(F) permanently retire any existing base history for the land on which the easement has been obtained.
(5) Terms and conditions of easement
(A) In general
A wetland reserve easement shall include terms and conditions that—
(i) permit—
(I) repairs, improvements, and inspections on the land that are necessary to maintain existing public drainage systems; and
(II) owners to control public access on the easement areas while identifying access routes to be used for restoration activities and management and easement monitoring;
(ii) prohibit—
(I) the alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features of such land, unless specifically authorized by the Secretary;
(II) the spraying of such land with chemicals or the mowing of such land, except where such spraying or mowing is authorized by the Secretary or is necessary—
(aa) to comply with Federal or State noxious weed control laws;
(bb) to comply with a Federal or State emergency pest treatment program; or
(cc) to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species;
(III) any activities to be carried out on the owner's or successor's land that is immediately adjacent to, and functionally related to, the land that is subject to the easement if such activities will alter, degrade, or otherwise diminish the functional value of the eligible land; and
(IV) the adoption of any other practice that would tend to defeat the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary;
(iii) provide for the efficient and effective establishment of wetland functions and values; and
(iv) include such additional provisions as the Secretary determines are desirable to carry out the program or facilitate the practical administration thereof.
(B) Violation
On the violation of a term or condition of a wetland reserve easement, the wetland reserve easement shall remain in force and the Secretary may require the owner to refund all or part of any payments received by the owner under the program, with interest on the payments as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(C) Compatible uses
(i) In general
Land subject to a wetland reserve easement may be used for compatible economic uses, including such activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, water management, or periodic haying or grazing, if such use is specifically permitted by the wetland reserve easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f) and is consistent with the long-term protection and enhancement of the wetland resources for which the easement was established.
(ii) Compatible use authorization
In evaluating and authorizing a compatible economic use under clause (i), the Secretary shall—
(I) request and consider the advice of the applicable State technical committee established under
(II) consider the ability of an authorized use to facilitate the practical administration and management of that land; and
(III) ensure that an authorized use furthers the functions and values for which the wetland reserve easement was established.
(D) Reservation of grazing rights
The Secretary may include in the terms and conditions of a wetland reserve easement a provision under which the owner reserves grazing rights if—
(i) the Secretary determines that the reservation and use of the grazing rights—
(I) is compatible with the land subject to the easement;
(II) is consistent with the historical natural uses of the land and the long-term protection and enhancement goals for which the easement was established; and
(III) complies with the wetland reserve easement plan developed for the land under subsection (f) or a grazing management plan that is consistent with the wetland reserve easement plan and has been reviewed, and modified as necessary, at least every 5 years; and
(ii) the agreement provides for a commensurate reduction in the easement payment to account for the grazing value, as determined by the Secretary.
(6) Compensation
(A) Determination
(i) Permanent easements
The Secretary shall pay as compensation for a permanent wetland reserve easement acquired under the program an amount necessary to encourage enrollment in the program, based on the lowest of—
(I) the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary, using the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or an areawide market analysis or survey;
(II) the amount corresponding to a geographical cap, as determined by the Secretary in regulations; or
(III) the offer made by the landowner.
(ii) Other
Compensation for a 30-year contract or 30-year wetland reserve easement shall be not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be paid for a permanent wetland reserve easement.
(B) Form of payment
Compensation for a wetland reserve easement shall be provided by the Secretary in the form of a cash payment, in an amount determined under subparagraph (A).
(C) Payment schedule
(i) Easements valued at $500,000 or less
For wetland reserve easements valued at $500,000 or less, the Secretary may provide payments in not more than 10 annual payments.
(ii) Easements valued at more than $500,000
For wetland reserve easements valued at more than $500,000, the Secretary may provide payments in at least 5, but not more than 10 annual payments, except that, if the Secretary determines it would further the purposes of the program, the Secretary may make a lump-sum payment for such an easement.
(c) Easement restoration
(1) In general
The Secretary shall provide financial assistance to owners of eligible land to carry out the establishment of conservation measures and practices and protect wetland functions and values, including necessary maintenance activities, as set forth in a wetland reserve easement plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f).
(2) Payments
The Secretary shall—
(A) in the case of a permanent wetland reserve easement, pay an amount that is not less than 75 percent, but not more than 100 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary; and
(B) in the case of a 30-year contract or 30-year wetland reserve easement, pay an amount that is not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the Secretary.
(d) Technical assistance
(1) In general
The Secretary shall assist owners in complying with the terms and conditions of a wetland reserve easement.
(2) Contracts or agreements
The Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements with a State, nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out necessary restoration, enhancement, or maintenance of a wetland reserve easement if the Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the program.
(e) Wetland reserve enhancement option
The Secretary may enter into 1 or more agreements with a State (including a political subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetland reserve enhancement option that the Secretary determines would advance the purposes of program.
(f) Administration
(1) Wetland reserve easement plan
(A) In general
The Secretary shall develop a wetland reserve easement plan—
(i) for any eligible land subject to a wetland reserve easement; and
(ii) that restores, protects, enhances, manages, maintains, and monitors the eligible land subject to the wetland reserve easements acquired under this section.
(B) Practices and activities
A wetland reserve easement plan under subparagraph (A) shall include practices and activities, including repair or replacement, that are necessary to restore and maintain the enrolled land and the functions and values of the wetland subject to a wetland reserve easement.
(2) Alternative plant communities
The Secretary, in coordination with State technical committees established under
(A) substantially support or benefit migratory waterfowl or other wetland wildlife; or
(B) meet local resource concerns or needs (including as an element of a regional, State, or local wildlife initiative or plan).
(3) Delegation of easement administration
(A) In general
The Secretary may delegate any of the management, monitoring, and enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary under this section to other Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate authority, expertise, and resources necessary to carry out such delegated responsibilities, or to conservation organizations if the Secretary determines the organization has similar expertise and resources.
(B) Limitation
The Secretary shall not delegate any of the monitoring or enforcement responsibilities under this section to conservation organizations.
(4) Payments
(A) Timing of payments
The Secretary shall provide payment for obligations incurred by the Secretary under this section—
(i) with respect to any easement restoration obligation under subsection (c), as soon as possible after the obligation is incurred; and
(ii) with respect to any annual easement payment obligation incurred by the Secretary, as soon as possible after October 1 of each calendar year.
(B) Payments to others
If an owner who is entitled to a payment under this section dies, becomes incompetent, is otherwise unable to receive such payment, or is succeeded by another person or entity who renders or completes the required performance, the Secretary shall make such payment, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary and without regard to any other provision of law, in such manner as the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances.
(g) Application
The relevant provisions of this section shall also apply to a 30-year contract.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (b)(3)(C).
Subsec. (b)(5)(C).
Subsec. (b)(5)(D)(i)(III).
Subsec. (f)(1).
Subsec. (f)(2) to (4).
§3865d. Administration
(a) Ineligible land
The Secretary may not use program funds for the purposes of acquiring an easement on—
(1) lands owned by an agency of the United States, other than land held in trust for Indian tribes;
(2) lands owned in fee title by a State, including an agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local government;
(3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction which, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as would be provided by enrollment in the program; or
(4) lands where the purposes of the program would be undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances, permitted or existing rights of way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses.
(b) Priority
In evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary may give priority to land that is currently enrolled in the conservation reserve program in a contract that is set to expire within 1 year and—
(1) in the case of an agricultural land easement, is grassland that would benefit from protection under a long-term easement; and
(2) in the case of a wetland reserve easement, is a wetland or related area with the highest wetland functions and value and is likely to return to production after the land leaves the conservation reserve program.
(c) Subordination, exchange, modification, and termination
(1) Subordination
The Secretary may subordinate any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary (including for the purposes of utilities and energy transmission services) either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that the subordination—
(A) increases conservation values or has a limited negative effect on conservation values;
(B) minimally affects the acreage subject to the interest in land; and
(C) is in the public interest or furthers the practical administration of the program.
(2) Modification and exchange
(A) Authority
The Secretary may approve a modification or exchange of any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that—
(i) no reasonable alternative exists and the effect on the interest in land is avoided or minimized to the extent practicable; and
(ii) the modification or exchange—
(I) results in equal or increased conservation values;
(II) results in equal or greater economic value to the United States;
(III) is consistent with the original intent of the easement;
(IV) is consistent with the purposes of the program; and
(V) is in the public interest or furthers the practical administration of the program.
(B) Limitation
In modifying or exchanging an interest in land, or portion of such interest, under this paragraph, the Secretary may not increase any payment to an eligible entity.
(3) Termination
The Secretary may approve a termination of any interest in land, or portion of such interest, administered by the Secretary, directly or on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the Secretary determines that—
(A) termination is in the interest of the Federal Government;
(B) the United States will be fully compensated for—
(i) the fair market value of the interest in land;
(ii) any costs relating to the termination; and
(iii) any damages determined appropriate by the Secretary; and
(C) the termination will—
(i) address a compelling public need for which there is no practicable alternative even with avoidance and minimization; and
(ii) further the practical administration of the program.
(4) Consent
The Secretary shall obtain consent from the landowner and eligible entity, if applicable, for any subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of interest in land, or portion of such interest, under this subsection.
(5) Notice
At least 90 days before taking any termination action described in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
(d) Land enrolled in other programs
(1) Conservation reserve program
The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under
(2) Other
In accordance with the provisions of subtitle H of title II of the Agricultural Act of 2014, land enrolled in the wetlands reserve program, grassland reserve program, or farmland protection program on the day before February 7, 2014, shall be considered enrolled in the program.
(3) Agricultural land easements
A farmer or rancher who owns eligible land subject to an agricultural land easement may enter into a contract under subpart B of part I of subchapter IV.
(e) Compliance with certain requirements
The Secretary may not provide assistance under this subchapter to an eligible entity or owner of eligible land unless the eligible entity or owner agrees, during the crop year for which the assistance is provided—
(1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subchapter II; and
(2) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subchapter III.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Agricultural Act of 2014, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d)(1).
Subsec. (d)(3).