Oregon Bulletin 300-2008-4
 

The following documents requires  Adobe Acrobat.

OR-300-2008-4 (PDF, 24 KB)
OR300-2008-4 Attachment 1 (PDF, 544 KB)

Date:  November 7, 2007

SUBJECT:   Cultural Resource Review and Consultation on CRP, CCRP, and CREP Projects

Purpose:  To transmit instructions for cultural resource review and consultation on CRP, CCRP, and CREP projects.

Expiration Date:  Will remain in place UNTIL SUPERSEDED

Background. NEPA, NHPA, ESA, and other related laws, regulations, and executive orders require Federal agencies to consider the potential impacts of their proposed actions upon the human environment. Therefore, before approval of a Conservation Reserve Program Contract (CRP-1), FSA must ensure that all potential impacts to the human environment have been considered.

Explanation. In a letter dated January 4, 2005, (attachment 1) NRCS agreed to conduct cultural resource reviews for CRP and CREP projects. FSA Oregon Notice CRP-71 (attachment 2) and the CREP Process Flow Chart (attachment 3) detail the responsibility of each office regarding cultural resources. NRCS is responsible for cultural resource protection activities up to the point that projects need formal consultation. In many cases, NRCS cultural resources specialists (CRS) determine through literature reviews and field surveys that there is little or no risk to cultural resources and allow projects to move forward. However, where reviews or surveys reveal that a proposed action may have an adverse effect on cultural resources, NHPA Section 106 calls for formal consultation with SHPO or THPO, and appropriate Tribal entities. As the lead agency for CRP and CREP projects, it is FSA’s responsibility to carry out formal consultation to resolve adverse effects to historic properties (36 CFR 800.6).

Instructions. When a NRCS Cultural Resources Specialist (CRS) deems formal consultation necessary, the CRS returns the OR-EVT1-CR/TE to the planner with a copy to the District Conservationist. The District Conservationist (DC) will use the attached letter template (attachment 4) along with the OR-EVT1-CR/TE and project map to inform the FSA County Executive Director (CED) of the determination. The FSA CED will then inform the NRCS CRS where to send sensitive documents related to the project (a qualified cultural resource contractor, SHPO, THPO) so that FSA can pursue formal consultation. The DC will send a copy of the letter to FSA Program Specialist (Lois Loop), the landowner, and to the NRCS Cultural Resources Specialist (Jenna Gaston).

Contact. Should you have any further questions, please contact Russell Hatz, Leader for Technology, NRCS Oregon State Office, 503-414-3235 or russ.hatz@or.usda.gov.
 

/signed/
BOB GRAHAM
State Conservationist

Attachments

DIST:
AE & FSA State Office
 

Last modified:  02/26/2008

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