§3837c. Duties of Secretary
(a) In general
In return for the granting of an easement by an owner under this subpart, the Secretary shall-
(1) share the cost of carrying out the establishment of conservation measures and practices, and the protection of the wetland functions and values, as set forth in the plan to the extent that the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the public interest; and
(2) provide necessary technical assistance to assist owners in complying with the terms and conditions of the easement and the plan.
(b) Cost share assistance
In making cost share payments under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the Secretary shall pay the owner an amount that is not less than 50 percent but not more than 75 percent of eligible costs with respect to an easement which is not permanent, and not less than 75 percent but not more than 100 percent of eligible costs with respect to a permanent easement.
(c) Acceptability of offers
In determining the acceptability of easement offers, the Secretary may take into consideration-
(1) the extent to which the purposes of the easement program would be achieved on the land;
(2) the productivity of the land; and
(3) the on-farm and off-farm environmental threats if the land is used for the production of agricultural commodities.
(d) Easement priority
In carrying out this subpart, to the extent practicable, taking into consideration costs and future agricultural and food needs, the Secretary shall give priority to obtaining permanent conservation easements before shorter term conservation easements and, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall place priority on acquiring easements based on the value of the easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
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