Oregon Bulletin 180-2008-2
 

The following documents requires  Adobe Acrobat.

OR Bulletin NO. 180-2008-2  (PDF, 34 KB)

Date:  April 15, 2008

SUBJECT:   Wetland Conservation Compliance – Minimal Effect Procedures

Purpose:  To issue Oregon NRCS Minimal Effect procedures for assessing wetland functions, making Minimal Effect determinations, and approving exemptions.

Expiration Date: Until Superseded/p>

Background: The Food Security Act of 1985 provided some exemptions to the Wetland Conservation provisions, including cases where a “Minimal Effect” determination has been made. A Minimal Effect Exemption is a determination by NRCS that a proposed wetland conversion activity will have an insignificant effect on the functions and values of the wetland. USDA participants may request a Minimal Effect Determination from NRCS to know if their wetland impacts may be considered minimal for Food Security Act compliance purposes. If NRCS determines that the effect is minimal, the participant may proceed with the activity without jeopardizing their eligibility for USDA benefits.

In order to make a Minimal Effect Determination, NRCS policy (180.516. Subpart A) requires the use of Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Functional Assessment tools and Minimal Effects Determination Procedures that have been approved by the State Conservationist in consultation with the State Technical Committee.

Explanation: Oregon NRCS has adopted the attached procedures to use when making Minimal Effect Determinations that have been developed in consultation with the Oregon Technical Advisory Committee. HGM-based Functional Assessment tools available through the Oregon Department of State Lands are approved for use in assessing wetland functions for Minimal Effect Determinations. Those tools can be found at: http://www.oregon.gov/DSL/PERMITS/wetlanddelineation.shtml .

Contact: If a participant requests a Minimal Effect Determination, please contact the designated NRCS Resource Soil Scientist for assistance. Questions about these procedures may also be directed to Jeremy Maestas, State Biologist, at 541-923-4358, extension 109.


/signed/
BOB GRAHAM
State Conservationist

Enclosure

DIST:
AE

Last modified:  04/16/2008

< Back to FY08 Bulletins