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Common Terms to All Programs

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Term Definition
Abandonment The cessation for five consecutive years of management or maintenance operation related to the used of commenced conversion, farmed wetland, or farmed wetland pasture and hayland.  Land considered to be abandoned must meet wetland criteria
Active Personal Management Personally providing that: (1) The general supervision and direction of activities and labor involved in the farming operation; and (2) Services (whether performed on-site or off-site) reasonably related and necessary to the farming operation (examples are shown in 7 CFR 1400.3(b)).
Administrator The Administrator of the FSA, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or designee.
Administrative Record All the materials maintained by the Secretary related to a technical determination or decision.  This case record includes both the agency record and the hearing record and all other applicable materials.
Adverse Determination or Decision An administrative and/or technical determination or decision made by an officer, employee, or committee of an agency that is adverse to the participant.
Agricultural Commodity Any crop planted and produced by annual tilling of the soil or tilling on an annual basis by one-trip planters, or alfalfa, and other multi-year grasses and legumes in rotation as approved by the Secretary.  Land shall be considered planted to and agricultural commodity during a crop year if, as determined by the NRCS, an action of the Secretary prevented land from being planted to the commodity during the crop year.
Agricultural land Cropland, rangeland, pastureland, forest land, (private non-industrial forest land if it is an incidental part of the agricultural operation for CSP) and other land on which crops, livestock, food, fiber, and other agricultural products are produced. .  This also includes tree farms.
Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service pursuant to the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000, Title I, Section 133 (Public Law 106-224) which amended the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) by adding section 524(b).
Agricultural Operation Means a parcel or parcels of land whether contiguous or noncontiguous, constituting a cohesive management unit for agricultural purposes.  An agricultural operation shall be regarded as located in the county in which the principle dwelling is situated, or if there is no dwelling thereon, it shall be regarded to be in the county in which the major portion of the land is located.
Agricultural Operation (CSP) All agricultural land and other lands determined by the Chief, whether contiguous or noncontiguous, under the control of the participant and constituting a cohesive management unit, where the participant provides active personal management of the operation on the date of enrollment.
Alley-cropping

(for CRP purposes)

 The practice of planting rows of trees surrounded by a strip of vegetative cover, alternated with wider strips of agricultural commodities planted in accordance with a conservation plan approved by the local conservation district and CCC.
Allotment An acreage for a commodity provided to a farm in accordance with the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended.
Animal unit One thousand pounds of live weight of any given livestock species or any combination of livestock species.
Animal waste management facility A structural practice used for the storage or treatment of animal waste.
Annual rental payment Unless the context indicates otherwise, the annual payment specified in the CRP contract which, subject to the availability of funds is made to a participant to compensate such participant for placing eligible land in the CRP.
Appeal A written request by a participant asking for a review when an agency has made an adverse technical determination or an adverse technical decision.
Applicant An eligible person who requests cost-sharing for a practice or who contributes to the cost of performing a practice.  An individual, entity, or joint operation that has an interest in a farming operation or produces food and fiber, as defined in 7 CFR 1400.3, who has requested in writing to participate in a conservation program.
Areawide Conservation Plan A plan developed with a client for a watershed or other geographical area defined by the client.  The areawide conservation plan addresses all resources identified, and contains alternative solutions that meet the minimum quality criteria for each resource, and applicable laws and regulations.
Arid Area Acreage located west of the 100th meridian that receives less than 25 inches of average annual precipitation.
As-Built Information Engineering plans or drawings that indicate how the wetland manipulations were performed or field investigations that provide information on wetland manipulation as it currently exists.
At-risk Species Any plant or animal species as determined by the State Technical Committee to need direct intervention to halt its population decline.
Base component of CSP payments The CSP payment component as described in 1470.23(a). 
Beginning Farmer or Rancher (a) Has not operated a farm or ranch, or has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 consecutive years.  This requirement applies to all members of an entity, and

(b) Will materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm or ranch.

(i) In the case of a contract with an individual, individually or with the immediate family, material and substantial participation requires that the individual provide substantial day-to-day labor and management of the farm or ranch, consistent with the practices in the county or State where the farm is located.

(ii) In the case of a contract made with an entity, all members must materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm or ranch. Material and substantial participation requires that the members provide some amount of the management, or labor and management necessary for day-to-day activities, such that if the members did not provide these inputs, operation of the farm or ranch would be seriously impaired.
Benchmark Condition Inventory The documentation of the resource condition or situation pursuant to Section 1470.7(a) that NRCS uses to measure an applicant’s existing level of conservation activities, to determine program eligibility, to design a conservation security contract, and to measure the change in resource conditions resulting from conservation treatment.
Case File The record of resource information, decisions, and technical assistance for a specific client maintained by NRCS.
Certified Conservation Planner A person who possesses the necessary skills, training, and experience to implement the NRCS nine-step planning process to meet client objectives in solving natural resource problems.  The certified conservation planner has demonstrated skill in assisting clients to identify resource problems, to express the client’s objectives, to propose feasible solutions to resource problems, and leads the client to choose and implement an effective alternative that treats resource concerns and meets the client’s objectives.
Chief The Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the person delegated authority to act for the Chief.
Community Member An individual or group of clients that may or may not be decisionmakers and who have an interest in or may be impacted by actions recommended in the implementation of USDA programs. 
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan

(CNMP)

 Any combination of structural practices, land management practices, and management activities associated with crop or livestock production that collectively ensure that the purposes of crop or livestock production and preservation of natural resources (especially the preservation and enhancement of water quality) are compatible.
Concurrence Agreement of all parties on the item in question.
Confined Livestock Operation A livestock facility that stables, confines, feeds, or maintains animals for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period and does not sustain crops, vegetation, forage growth, or post-harvest residues within the confined area in the normal growing season over any portion of the confinement facility.
Conservation District A political subdivision of a State, Indian tribe, or territory, organized pursuant to the State or territorial soil conservation district law, or tribal law.  The subdivision may be a conservation district, soil conservation district, soil and water conservation district, resource conservation district, natural resource district, land conservation committee, or similar legally constituted body.
Conservation Impacts The differences between anticipated effects of treatment in comparison to existing or benchmark conditions.  Differences may be expressed by narrative, quantitative, visual, or other means.  Impacts are used as a basis for making informed conservation decisions.
Conservation Management System A combination of conservation practices and management practices that achieves a level of treatment of the resources that satisfies criteria in the FOTG for a resource management system.
Conservation Plan A record of the client’s decisions and supporting information, for treatment of a land unit or water as a result of the planning process, that meets FOTG quality criteria for each natural resource (soil, water, air, plants, and animals) and takes into account economic and social considerations.  The plan describes the schedule of operations and activities needed to solve identified natural resource problems and take advantage of opportunities at a conservation management system level.  The needs of the client, the resources, Federal, state, and local requirements will be met. 
Conservation Practice A specified treatment, such as a structural or vegetative practice or management technique commonly used to meet a specific need in planning and carrying out soil and water conservation programs for which standards and specifications have been developed.  Conservation practices are in the FOTG, Section IV, which is based on the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP).
Conservation Priority Area An area designated by USDA with significant natural resource concerns.
Conservation Reserve Program The Commodity Credit Corporation program administered by the Farm Service Agency pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 3831-3836.
Conservation Security Contract A legal document that specifies the rights and obligations of any person who has been accepted for participation in CSP.
Conservation Security Plan The conservation planning document developed by the participant with assistance by NRCS or a technical service provider once the application is selected.  The conservation security plan builds on the inventory of the benchmark condition documenting the conservation practices currently being applied; those practices needing to be maintained; and those practices or activities to be supported under the provisions of the conservation security contract.
Conservation System A combination of conservation practices and resource management for the treatment of soil, water, air, plant, or animal resource concerns.
Conservation Treatment Any and all conservation practices, measures, and works of improvement that have the purpose of alleviating resource concerns, solving or reducing the severity of natural resource use problems, or taking advantage of resource opportunities.
Considered to be Planted A long term rotation of alfalfa or multi-year grasses and legumes, summer fallow, typically cropped wet areas rotated to wildlife habitat, such as rice fields; or crops planted to provide an adequate seedbed for re-seeding.
Contour Grass Strip A vegetated area that follows the contour of the land, the width of which is determined using the appropriate FOTG requirement.
Contract/

Cost-share Agreement

 A legal document that specifies the obligations and the rights of any person who has been accepted for participation in the conservation program.
Contract Period The term in which the contract is effective and legally binding.
Converted Wetland A wetland that has been drained, dredged, filled, leveled, or otherwise manipulated, including the removal of woody vegetation, or any activity that results in impairing or reducing the flow, circulation, or reach of water, and makes the production of an agricultural commodity possible.
Cost-share Payment The payments made to a participant, under the particular program, specifically mentioned.
County Executive Director The FSA employee responsible for directing and managing program and administrative operations in one or more FSA county offices.
Cropland A land cover/use category that includes areas used for the production of adapted crops for harvest. Two subcategories of cropland are recognized:  cultivated and noncultivated.  

Cultivated cropland comprises land in row crops or close-grown crops and also other cultivated cropland, for example, hayland or pastureland that is in a rotation with row or close-grown crops.  

Noncultivated cropland includes permanent hayland and horticultural cropland, including orchards and vineyards.  Currently being tilled to produce a crop for harvest

In addition, cropland is defined as land that is not currently tilled, but has been tilled in a prior year and is suitable to be tilled for crop production; is currently devoted to 1- or 2-row shelterbelt planting, orchard, vineyard, or other related crops; is new land broken out if both of the following conditions are met:  (1) Land is planted to a crop to be carried through to harvest; and (2) Tillage and cultural practices in planting and harvesting the crop must be consistent with normal practices in the area; land that is in terraces that, according to FSA records, were cropped in the past even though they are no longer capable of being cropped; land that is in sod waterways or filter strips planted to perennial cover; and land that is currently in a CRP contract under a CRP-1, including alternative perennials, until CRP-1 expires or is terminated.  See 2-CRP, paragraph 327 for alternative perennials.
Crop tree crown release Removal of cull trees, less desirable trees, and vines to release crowns of crop trees.  Crop trees are high-value species, that are dominant or co-dominant in position and are well-formed and free of major forest diseases and insects.
C/S Level The percent of total cost.  EXAMPLE: The national C/S level is 65 percent of the total cost.
Cultural Resource Evidence of activities and accomplishments of people including remnants of past cultures and some unique resources associated with present day cultures.  The most common are sites, buildings, structures, landscapes, and objects that have scientific, historical, or archaeological value.
Cull-Tee Removal Complete removal or deadening of trees having no merchantable value because of defects or species.
Decision A conclusion reached by an official of NRCS or CCC representative based on applicable regulations and program instructions.  May relate to eligibility for program benefits, including a technical determination used as a basis for the decision, compatible use authorizations, and other actions.
Decisionmaker An individual group, unit of government, or other entity that has the authority by ownership, position, office, delegation, or otherwise to decide on a course of action.
Deputy Administrator The Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs, FSA, or designee.
Designated Conservationist An NRCS employee whom the State Conservationist has designated as responsible for administration of the program in question. 
Easement An interest in land defined and delineated in a deed whereby the landowner conveys rights, title, and/or interests in a property to the grantee, but the landowner retains general ownership and control of the property.
Easement Area The land encumbered by an easement.
Easement Payment The consideration paid to the landowner for an easement conveyed to the United States.
Eligible Land NIPF capable of producing 50 cubic feet of wood per acre per year, as determined by the State Forester.
Eligible Person A private individual, group, American Indian tribe or other Native American group, association, corporation (excluding corporations whose stocks are publicly traded), or other legal entity which owns land.
Enhanced Component of a CSP Payment Payments available to all tiers as described in §1470.23(d).
Enrollment Categories A classification system built on science-based, data-supported criteria consistent with historic conservation performance used to sort out applications for payment.  The enrollment category mechanism will create distinct classes for funding defined by resource concerns, levels of treatment, and willingness to achieve additional environmental performance.
Environmental Assessment (EA) A concise public document that briefly provides sufficient evidence and analysis to determine whether to prepare a more comprehensive environmental impact statement or a finding of no significant impact.
Environmental Evaluation (EE) A concurrent part of the planning process in which the potential long-term and short-term impacts of an action on people, their physical or social surroundings, and nature are evaluated and alternative actions explored.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) A document detailing the environmental impact of a proposed law, a construction project, or other major actions that may significantly affect the quality of the environment.  EIS's are required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (NEPA) and various state environmental laws.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) The Commodity Credit Corporation program administered Natural Resources Conservation Service pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 38839aa, and the Food Security Act of 1985, Public Law 99-198, Title XII; Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104-127; Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Public Law 107-171.
Enrolled The acres or area in question shall be considered enrolled at the time funds have been committed, a “tentative acceptance” letter has been sent to the participant(s) and the participant(s) has indicated an interest to continue in the program.
Entity As set forth in 7 CFR 1400.3, an entity is a corporation, joint stock company, association, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, irrevocable trust, revocable trust, estate, charitable organization, or other similar organization, including any such organization participating in the farming operation as a partner in a general partnership, a participant in a joint venture, a grantor of a revocable trust, or as a participant in a similar organization.
Equitable Relief Relief that is authorized under Section 326 of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962 (7 U.S.C., 1339a) and other laws of the administering agency.
Erodibility Index The factor, as calculated by NRCS, used to determine the inherent erodibility of a soil by dividing the potential average annual rate of erosion without management for each soil by the predetermined T value for the soil.
Existing Practice Component of CSP Payments The component of a CSP payment as described in Section 1470.23(b).
Ex Parte Communications An oral or written communication by a party to any appeals proceeding with any officer or employee of the National Appeals Division (NAD) where a reasonable prior notification to all parties was not given.  This definition shall not include requests for status reports, or inquiries on NAD procedure in reference to any matter or proceeding connected with the appeal involved in the communication.
Facilitating Grazing Practices Practices that control or influence the movement and handling of grazing animals that are necessary to apply vegetative management practices.
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program Program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service under Title III, Section 388 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (1996 Farm Bill) authorized the FRPP (Public Law 104127, 16 U.S.C. 3830 note). The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 amended the Food Security Act of 1985 and reauthorized FRPP (Public Law 107171).
Farm Serial Number (FSN) An identifier assigned by FSA to a farm.
Farm Service Agency County Committee A committee elected by the agricultural producers in the county or area, in accordance with Section 8(b) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, as amended.
Farm Service Agency State Committee A committee in as State or the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) appointed by the Secretary in accordance with Section 8(b) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, as amended.
Federally Owned Land Land owned by the Federal Government or any department, instrumentality, bureau, or agency thereof, or any corporation whose stock is wholly owned by the Federal Government. 
Field A part of a farm that is separated from the balance of the farm by permanent boundaries such as fences, roads, permanent waterways, woodlands, other similar features, or croplines (in cases where farming practices make it possible that such croplines are not subject to change), or other similar features.
Field Office Technical Guide The official local NRCS source of resource information and the interpretations of guidelines, criteria, and standards for planning and applying conservation treatments and conservation management systems.  It contains detailed information on the conservation of soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources applicable to the local area for which it is prepared.  (See General Manual 450, Part 401).
Field Windbreak A vegetative barrier with a linear configuration composed of trees, shrubs, or other vegetation that are designated as such practices in a conservation plan and that are planted for the purpose of reducing wind erosion, controlling snow, providing wildlife habitat, and conserving energy.
Forb Any herbaceous plant other than those in the grass family.
Forage production The production of grasses, legumes, forbs, or other vegetation on pasture and hayland.  This includes:  planting, grazing, haying, or harvesting.
Forest The land use designation for land on which the primary vegetation are trees or other woody plants (climax, natural, or introduced plant community) and use may be for the production of wood products.
Forestry Incentives Program (FIP) Program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 as amended by Public Law 95-313. FIP was reauthorized through fiscal year 2002 by Public Law 104-127.
Forest Land A land cover/use category that is at least 10 percent stocked by single-stemmed woody species of any size that will be at least 4 meters (13 feet) tall at maturity. Also included is land bearing evidence of natural regeneration of tree cover (cut over forest or abandoned farmland) that is not currently developed for nonforest use.  Ten percent stocked, when viewed from a vertical direction, equates to an aerial canopy cover of leaves and branches of 25 percent or greater.  The minimum area for classification as forest land is 1 acre, and the area must be at least 100 feet wide.
Forest Management Plan (FMP) A plan prescribing measures to be used on a particular ownership to implement cost-shared practices.
Grapevine Removal Deadening of grapevines to reduce mortality and to improve growth of crop trees.
Grasslands Lands on which the vegetation is dominated by grasses, grasslike plants, shrubs, and forbs.
Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) Program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service under 16 U.S.C. 3837, et seq.
Grazing Value The value assigned to the grassland cover when used for forage production.  For rental agreements, this value is determined by USDA; for easements, this value is determined through appraisal.
GRP Rental Agreement An agreement where the participant will be paid annual rental payments for the length of the agreement to maintain and/or restore grassland or rangeland functions and values under GRP.
Habitat development The physical actions or practices undertaken to establish, improve, protect, enhance, or restore the present conditions of the land for the specific purpose of improving conditions for wildlife.
Hay The land use designation for land which perennial plants are managed and harvested for hay production.  (Annual plants planted for hay, and forage crops on in short-term rotation are cropland.)
Hazard Analysis Areas selected for treatment should be rated for insect and disease hazards.  Stands in “high risk” categories require special treatments to reduce the hazard and prevent future spread.
Hearing A proceeding before the NRCS, or other USDA official, to afford a landowner or program participant the opportunity to present testimony or documentary evidence or both, in order to show why an adverse technical determination or decision was not proper.
Hearing Officer An individual who hears and determines appeals of adverse technical determinations or adverse technical decisions.
Highly Erodible Field A field where highly erodible land is predominant.  HEL shall be considered to be predominant if either:

33.33 percent or more of the total field acreage is identified as soil map units that are highly erodible.

50 or more acres in such a field are identified as soil map units that are highly erodible.

For a specific definition of a highly erodible field, as it relates to the Conservation Reserve Program, please consult 2-CRP.
Highly Erodible Land Land that has an erodibility index of 8 or more.
Hydric Soil Soil that, in an undrained condition, is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions that supports the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Plants growing in water or in a substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen during the growing season as a result of saturation or inundation by water.
Incentive Payment The monetary or financial assistance to the participant in an amount and at a rate determined appropriate to encourage the participant to perform a land management practice that would not otherwise be initiated without program assistance.
Indian Tribe Any Indian tribe, band, nation or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
Indian Trust Lands Real property in which (1) the United States holds title as trustee for the Indian or tribal beneficiary, or (2) the Indian or tribal beneficiary holds title and the United States maintains a trust relationship.
Informal Appeals Process The process required by agencies to establish for reconsideration of technical determinations or decisions prior to an appeal to the National Appeals Division (NAD).
Inundation The ground is covered by water due to ponded, flowing, or flooded water.
Joint Operation A general partnership, joint venture, or other similar business arrangement as defined in 7 CFR 1400.3.
Land Cover/Use A term that includes categories of land cover and categories of land use.  Land cover is the vegetation or other kind of material that covers the land surface.  Land use is the purpose of human activity on the land; it is usually, but not always, related to land cover.  The National Resources Inventory uses the term land cover/use to identify categories that account for all the surface area of the United States.

A term used by NRCS to identify the intent of the client with regard to the purpose to which a land unit is to be put.  The two designations of land use are the official NRCS designation, and the client land use designation agreed to by the client and planner.
Landlord A person who rents or leases acreage to another person.
Land Management Practice Conservation practices that primarily require site-specific management techniques and methods to conserve, protect from degradation, or improve soil, water, or related natural resources in the most cost-effective manner.   Land management practices include, but are not limited to, nutrient management, manure management, integrated pest management, stripcropping, contour farming, grazing management, and wildlife habitat management.
Lands Substantially Altered By Flooding Areas where flooding has created wetland hydrology conditions which, with a high degree of certainty will develop wetland soil and vegetation characteristics.
Land Unit An area of land that is of concern to NRCS in the planning process.
Life Span The period of time specified in the contract or conservation plan during which the conservation practice or conservation system are to be maintained and used for the intended purpose.  Also referred to as Service Life. 
Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher A person:

(a) With direct or indirect gross farm sales not more than $100,000 in each of the previous two years (to be increased starting in FY 2004 to adjust for inflation using Prices Paid By Farmers Index as compiled by NASS),
and

(b) That has a total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of four, or less than 50 percent of county median household income (to be determined annually using Commerce Department Data), in each of the previous two years.

 

(c) An entity or joint operation can be a Limited Resource Producer if all individual members qualify as a Limited Resource Producer.
Liquidated Damages A sum of money stipulated in the contract which the participant agrees to pay if the participant breaches the contract.  The sum represents an amount which is reasonable in light of the anticipated or actual harm caused by the breach, the difficulties of proof of loss, and the inconvenience or nonfeasibility of otherwise obtaining an adequate remedy.
Livestock Animals produced for food or fiber such as dairy cattle, beef cattle, poultry, turkeys, swine, sheep, horses, fish and other animals raised by aquaculture, or animals the State Conservationist identifies in consultation with the State Technical Committee.
Livestock Production Farm and ranch operations involving the production, growing, raising, breeding, and reproduction of livestock or livestock product.
Livestock-related Natural Resource Concern Any environmental condition, either onsite or offsite, that is directly related to any livestock activity or to livestock manure or waste.
Local A county, a portion of a county, a watershed, or a multi county region, or whatever geographic areas are best suited to address the resource conservation needs identified.
Local Work Group Means representatives of local offices of FSA, the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, the conservation district, and other Federal, State, and local government agencies, including Tribes, with expertise in natural resources who advise NRCS on decisions related to implementation of USDA conservation programs.
Locally led conservation The concept whereby local people assess their natural resource conditions and needs, set goals, identify programs and other resources to solve those needs, develop proposals and recommendations, implement solutions, and measure their success.
Maintenance Work performed by the participant to keep the applied conservation practice functioning for the intended purpose during its life span.  Maintenance includes work to prevent deterioration of the practice, repairing damage, or replacement of the practice to its original condition if one or more components fail.
Management Those operations that support cropping or pasture and hay production, such as tillage planting, mowing, harvesting, haying, or grazing.
Management Intensity The degree and scope of actions or activities taken by a producer which are beyond the minimum requirements of a management practice, and which qualify as additional effort necessary to receive an enhancement payment.
Map Unit A collection of areas defined and named the same in terms of their soil components or miscellaneous areas, or both.
Measure One or more specific actions that is not a conservation practice, but has the effect of alleviating problems or improving the treatment of the resources.
Mediation A process in which a neutral third party, the mediator, meets with the disputing parties, facilitates discussions, and works with the parties to resolve their disputes, narrow areas of disagreement, and improve communications and relationships.  A mediator has no authority to render a decision or determination.
Migratory Birds Bird species whose life cycle includes long-distance seasonal flights for wintering, summering, or breeding purposes; e.g., migratory waterfowl, neotropical migrant songbirds, migratory shorebirds, migratory hawks and eagles.
Minimum Level of Treatment The specific conservation treatment NRCS requires that addresses a resource concern to a level that meets or exceeds the quality criteria according to NRCS technical guides.
Minimal Effect The determination that the conversion of a wetland, in connection with all other similar actions in the area, would have minimal effect on the hydrological and biological functions of the wetland or wetlands in the area.
Mitigation The compensation for functions and values that are lost on a converted wetland through restoration, enhancement, or creation.
National Appeals Division (NAD) The division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which was created to hear administrative appeals of adverse decisions made by officials of USDA, specifically Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Rural Development.
National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 The Act that requires Federal agencies to consider the effects on the environment of proposed Federal actions.  This Act established the requirement for conducting environmental evaluations and for the preparation of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements (EIS).
National Conservation Priority Area A watershed, multi State area, or region of specific environmental sensitivity designated by the Chief of NRCS or FSA Administrator
Nationally Significant Resource Concerns The significant resource concerns identified by NRCS in this rule and in the sign-up announcement.
Native Pasture Pastureland that is used and managed primarily for the production of native plants for forage.
Native Vegetation A species which is a part of the original fauna or flora of the area in question.
Natural Area The land use designation for land and water used primarily for the preservation, protection, and observation of the existing resources.  Some of these may be officially designated by legislation or other authorities.
Natural Resource Any naturally occurring resource needed by an organism, population, or ecological system.  NRCS applies this term to soil, water, air, plants, and animals.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) An agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, formerly called the Soil Conservation Service.
New Practice One-time Payment The payment as described in 1470.23(c).
Non-Industrial Private Forest Land (NIPF) Rural lands with existing tree cover and other lands including cropland, pastureland, surface-mined lands, and nonstocked forest lands that are being considered for a FIP practice.
Offer Index Calculated by dividing the estimated program payment cost of practices by the sum of environmental points.
Offsite A location outside the area on which conservation treatment is being considered.  Also refers to an area outside the planning unit that should be considered for potential impacts.  Offsite can additionally refer to an off-site wetland determination.
Onsite A location within the area on which conservation treatment is being considered or an onsite wetland determination.
Operator A person who is in general control of the farming operation on the farm. 

Also, an individual, entity, or joint operation who is determined as being in general control of the farming operations on the farm during the current year.
Operation and Maintenance Work performed by the participant to keep the applied conservation practice functioning for the intended purposed during its life span.  Operation includes the administration, management, and performance of non-maintenance actions needed to keep the completed practice safe and functioning as intended.  Maintenance includes work to prevent deterioration of the practice, repairing damage, or replacement of the practice to its original condition if one or more components fail.
Owner A person who has sufficient legal ownership of the land, including a person who is buying the acreage under a purchase agreement; each spouse in a community property State; each spouse when spouses own property jointly and a person who life-estate property.
Participant An applicant who is party to one or more USDA contracts; e.g.  WHIP, EQIP, CRP and receives benefits from those programs.
Pasture Land on which the primary cover is introduced or native forage plants managed by using agronomic practices, such as regular fertilizer applications, liming, and weed control in addition to grazing management.

Also known as Pastureland which means a land cover/use category of land managed primarily for the production of introduced forage plants for grazing animals.  Pastureland cover may consist of a single species in a pure stand, a grass mixture, or a grass-legume mixture.  Management usually consists of cultural treatments:  fertilization, weed control, reseeding or renovation, and control of grazing.

Perennial Stream A stream or river that usually has water flow during normal weather conditions and are shown as a solid-blue line on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Topographic Quadrangle Map. 
Permanent Easement An easement that lasts in perpetuity.
Permanent Vegetative Cover Perennial stands of approved combinations of certain grasses, legumes, forbs, and shrubs with a life span of 10 or more years, or trees.
Person An individual, partnership, association, corporation, cooperative, estate, trust, joint venture, joint operation, or other business enterprise or other legal entity as defined by 7 CFR Part 1400.3 and the FSA handbook 1-PL and whenever applicable, a State, a political subdivision of a State, or agency thereof.
Plan Map A photograph or sketch of a land area developed during the planning process that shows property boundaries, land unit boundaries, physical features, location of planned and applied practices, and other features that are useful to the participant in plan implementation.
Planner A person, qualified by training and experience, who effectively assists the participant in completing the planning process.
Plan of Operations An EQIP plan of operations specifies when and where practices will be implemented and includes a description of the practices to be implemented and the purposes to be met by the implementation.
Planning Process The nine-step process NRCS uses to help clients plan and apply conservation treatments or make land use and treatment decisions.
Practice A specified treatment, such as a structural or land management measure, which is planned and applied according to NRCS standards and specifications.
Practice Life Span The time period in which the conservation practices are to be used and maintained for their intended purposes as defined by NRCS technical references.
Practice Narrative A brief nontechnical description of the planned practice.
Precommercial Thinning A felling made in an immature crop or stand (predominantly seedlings and saplings having no commercial value) primarily to accelerate diameter growth but also, by suitable selection, to improve the average form of remaining trees without permanently breaking the canopy.
Preliminary Technical Determination The initial written technical determination provided to a landowner or program participant which will become final after 30 days of the date of the letter unless the person takes action to stay the preliminary technical determination from becoming final by requesting a field visit or mediation.
Priority Area A watershed, a subwatershed, an area, or a region that can be geographically described and has specific environmental sensitivities or significant soil, water, or related natural resource concerns. 
Producer An owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in the risk of producing any crop or livestock; and is entitled to share in the crop or livestock available for marketing from a farm (or would have shared had the crop or livestock been produced).  

An individual or entity who is engaged in livestock or agricultural production.
Pruning Removal of live or dead branches from standing trees to improve the quality and value of selected crop trees that will be kept in the stand long enough to grow clear wood of economic importance.
Public Participation An integral part of planning with units of government.  It provides opportunities for the public to be involved in an interchange of data and ideas.
Quality Criteria The minimally acceptable level of treatment required to achieve a resource management system for identified resource considerations for a particular land use as defined in the technical guide of NRCS.
Rangeland Land on which the native vegetation (climax or natural potential plant community) is predominantly grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, or shrubs.  Rangeland includes natural grasslands, savannas, most deserts, tundra, and certain forb and shrub communities.

Also, a land cover/use category on which the climax or potential plant cover is composed principally of native grasses, grasslike plants, forbs, or shrubs suitable for grazing and browsing, and introduced forage species that are managed like rangeland.  This term would include areas where introduced hardy and persistent grasses, such as crested wheatgrass, are planted and such practices as deferred grazing, burning, chaining, and rotational grazing are used, with little or no chemicals or fertilizer being applied.  Grasslands, savannas, many wetlands, some deserts, and tundra are considered to be rangeland.  Certain communities of low forbs and shrubs, such as mesquite, chaparral, mountain shrub, and pinyon-juniper, are also included as rangeland.
Recreational Land Land or water that is used primarily for recreation purposes.
Recovery Costs An amount equal to 20 percent of the total financial and technical assistance obligated to the participant in an EQIP contract at the time of contract termination.  This payment is for recovery of administrative costs and technical services, and is not a penalty.
Recurring Practices Practices repeated on the same field over the life of a contract to achieve specific habitat attributes such as early successional stages.
Regional Assistant Chief The NRCS employee authorized to direct and supervise NRCS activities in a NRCS region.
Resource Concern The condition of natural resources that may be sensitive to change by natural forces or human activity.  NRCS identifies problems and opportunities relating to resource concerns by using predictive models, direct measurement, or observations in relation to client objectives.  Resource concerns include the resource considerations listed in Section III of the FOTG, such as soil erosion, soil condition, soil deposition, water quality, water quantity, animal habitat, air quality, air condition, plant suitability, plant condition, plant management, and animal habitat and management.
Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D) Program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service under the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, Public Law 97-98, 16 U.S.C. 3451-3461, as amended by Public Law 101-624, Section 1452, and Public Law 107-171, Section 1530.
Resource-conserving Crop Rotation A crop rotation that includes at least one resource-conserving crop and that reduces erosion, maintains, or improves soil fertility and tilth, interrupts pest cycles, or conserves soil moisture and water.
Resource Management System A system of conservation practices and management relating to land or water use that is designed to prevent resource degradation and permit sustained use of land, water, and other natural resources, as defined in accordance with the technical guide of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Resource Problem The condition related to one or more resources that does not meet the minimum acceptable condition levels as established by resource quality criteria shown in the FOTG, Section III. 
Reviewing Authority The NRCS official with responsibility to hear the appellant’s appeal.
Riparian Areas Land that occurs along streams, channels, rivers, and other water bodies.  They are normally distinctly different from the surrounding land because of unique soil and vegetation characteristics, may be identified by distinct vegetative communities which are reflective of soil conditions normally wetter than adjacent soils, and generally provide a corridor for the movement of wildlife.
Riparian Buffer A strip or area of vegetation of a width determined appropriate by the applicable FOTG the purpose of which is to remove nutrients, sediment, organic matter, pesticides, and other pollutants from surface runoff and subsurface flow by deposition, absorption, plant uptake, and other processes, thereby reducing pollution and protecting surface water and subsurface water quality which are also intended to provide shade to reduce water temperature for improved habitat for aquatic organisms and supply large woody debris for aquatic organisms and habitat for wildlife.
Secretary The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, (USDA).
Service Life The period of time specified in the contract or conservation plan during which the conservation practice or conservation system are to be maintained and used for the intended purpose. Previously termed “life span.”
Shrublands Lands where the dominant plant species is shrubs, which are plants that are persistent, have woody stems, a relatively low growth habit, and typically produce several basal shoots instead of a single bole.
Significant Statewide Natural Resource Concern May have characteristics similar to those in a priority area, but the concerns are not confined to a geographic area.  See priority area.
Sign-up Notice The public notification document that NRCS provides to describe the particular requirements for a specific conservation program sign-up.
Significant Resource Concerns The list of resource concerns, identified by NRCS, associated with an agricultural operation that is subject to applicable requirements under a conservation program, such as eligibility.
Sodbusted Land that was converted from native vegetation, such as rangeland or woodland, to crop production after December 23, 1985.
Soil and Water Conservation Assistance (SWCA) Program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service pursuant to the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000, Title II, Section 211(b) (Public Law 106-224).
Soil loss tolerance (T) The maximum average annual erosion rate specified in the FOTG that will not adversely impact the long term productivity of the soil.
Soil Map Unit An area of the landscape shown on a soil map which consists of one or more soils.
Soil Quality Resource concerns and/or opportunities related to depletion of soil organic matter content and the physical condition of the soil relative to ease of tillage, fitness as a seedbed, the impedance to seedling emergence root penetration and overall soil productivity. 
State Conservationist The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employee authorized to direct and supervise NRCS activities in a State, the Caribbean Area, or the Pacific Basin Area.
State Executive Director The Farm Services Agency (FSA) employee authorized to direct and supervise FSA activities in a State, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands).
State Forester Director of a State forestry agency.
State FIP Plan A document developed by the State Conservationist in consultation with the State Forester to implement the FIP in a given State.
State Technical Committee A committee in each State established by the Secretary pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 3861 which provide information, analysis, and recommendations to the USDA.
Structural Practice A conservation practice that primarily involves the establishment, construction, or installation of a site-specific measure to conserve, protect from degradation, or improve soil, water, or related natural resources in the most cost-effective manner.  Examples include, but are not limited to, animal waste management facilities, terraces, grassed waterways, tailwater pits, livestock water developments, contour grass strips, filterstrips, critical area plantings, tree planting, wildlife habitat, and capping of abandoned wells.
Technical Assistance Help provided by NRCS, and employees of other entities or agencies under the technical supervision of NRCS, to clients to address opportunities, concerns, and problems related to the use of natural resources.
Technical Determination A conclusion concerning the status and condition of the natural resources and cultural practices based on science and best professional judgment of natural resource professionals concerning the soils, water, air, plants, and animals. 

Note:  The term “technical determination” will always be used when referring to conclusions made related to the Food Security Act Title XII programs appealed to FSA county committees.
Technical Service Provider An individual, private-sector entity, or public agency certified or approved by NRCS to provide technical services through NRCS or directly to program participants, as defined in 7 CFR Part 652.
Tenant One who rents land from another in consideration of the payment of a specified amount of cash or amount of a commodity; or one (other than a sharecropper) who rents land from another person in consideration of the payment of a share of the crops or proceeds therefrom.
Third Party Vendor An individual in either the public or private sector who has been certified by an approved independent certification organization or natural resource conservation agency as being qualified to provide certain types of conservation assistance.
Tract A land unit under one ownership that is operated as a farm or as part of a farm.
Tier One of the three levels of participation in CSP.
Understory Release Complete removal of deadening of older trees having no merchantable values because of species, size, or condition to improve growing conditions for desired understory species.
Unit of concern A parcel of agricultural land that has natural resource conditions that is of interest to the participant.
USDA Local Work Group Composed of Federal, State, county, tribal or local government representatives.  The USDA local work group supports the locally led conservation effort by coordinating USDA programs with other Federal, State, tribal, and local conservation programs, to work singly and in combination to provide an integrated solution to addressing natural resource concerns.
Vegetative Practice A conservation practice that primarily involves the establishment or planting of a site-specific vegetative measure to conserve, protect from degradation, or improve soil, water, or related natural resources in the most cost-effective manner.  Examples include, but are not limited to, contour grass strips, filterstrips, critical area plantings, and permanent wildlife habitat.
Verbatim Transcript An official, written record of a hearing that has been transcribed by a court reporter.
Water Cover Flooding of land by water either to develop or restore shallow water areas for wildlife or wetlands, or as a result of a natural disaster.
Water Quality Resource concerns or opportunities, including concerns such as excessive nutrients, pesticides, sediment, contaminants, pathogens and turbidity in surface waters and excessive nutrients and pesticides in ground waters. 
Watershed or Regional Resource Conservation Plan A plan developed for a watershed or other geographical area defined by the stakeholders.  The plan addresses identified resource problems, contains alternative solutions that meet the stakeholder objectives for each resource, and addresses applicable laws and regulations as defined in the NRCS National Planning Procedures Handbook.
Wetland Land that:

Has a predominance of hydric soils.

Is inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence of hydrophytic vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.

Does support a prevalence of such vegetation under normal circumstances.
Wetland Functions An area of land having some or all of the following attributes providing for:

Dynamic Surface Water Storage.

Long Term Surface Water Storage.

Subsurface Water Storage.

Dissipation of Energy.

Cycling of Nutrients.

Retention of Particulates.

Export of Organic Carbon and Detritus.

Maintenance of Plant and Animal Communities.
Wetland Hydrology Permanent or periodic inundation, or prolonged soil saturation sufficient to create anaerobic conditions on the soil.
Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) The Commodity Credit Corporation program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 3837, et seq.
Wetland Restoration means the rehabilitation of degraded or lost wetland habitat in a manner such that:

The original vegetation community and hydrology are, to the extent practical re-established.

A community different from what likely existed prior to degradation of the site is established.  The hydrology and native self-sustaining vegetation being established will substantially replace original habitat functions and values but does not involve more than thirty percent of the wetland restoration area.
Wildlife Birds, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and mammals, along with all other non-domesticated animals.
Wildlife Habitat The aquatic and terrestrial environments required for wildlife to complete their life cycles, including air, food, cover, water, and spatial requirements.
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) The Commodity Credit Corporation program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service pursuant to Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (PDF) (2002 Farm Bill), Section 2502 (Section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended).

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