2012 Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program --
Easement Process Flow Chart                           

                                                                          Step 1
                       The following constitutes a complete application package submitted by the entity:

• Conservation Program Application (NRCS-CPA-1200) (117 KB PDF) [Landowner] Instruction Sheet (8 KB PDF)

• Average Adjusted Gross Income & Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information (CCC-931) (119 KB PDF) [Landowner]

• Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification (AD-1026) (105 KB PDF)  [Landowner]

• Member's Information (CCC-901, if legal entity such as Trust or LLC) (52 KB PDF) [Landowner]

• Parcel Workbook & all required attachments [Entity] (81 KB PDF) Word Document* (280 KB doc)

• Entity Workbook [Entity] (67 KB PDF) Word Document* (229 KB doc) 
  Eligibility Form Guidance

• DUNS & CCR Number (37 KB PDF) and CCR registration for Entity Workbook [Entity] and if landowner uses an         EIN, a DUNS # and CCR registration is required to be completed and the DUNS # is to be recorded on the CPA-1200 [landowner]

• Maps - showing total ownership of all lands owned or operated by applicant       

• Map showing the FRPP area only

• Ownership Deed (most current) for the FRPP offered parcel

• Direct Deposit (SF-1199) (92.1 KB PDF)

• Written Pending Offer [Entity] (48 KB PDF) Word Document* (24 KB doc)

• Certification of Matching Funds [Entity]

                            Step 2

NRCS performs the following tasks:

• Verifies landowner and parcel eligibility

• Reviews all application information 

• Orders AAI (Environmental Records
          Search)

If landowner or parcel is ineligible - STOP.
NRCS notifies entity of ineligibility.

If unfunded, eligible applicants receive deferral letter at the end of fiscal year.

                 Step 8

•  Parcel Closing

                            Step 4
NRCS performs the following tasks:

• Parcel is ranked using Ranking Sheet
   (68 KB PDF)

• 2012 Cooperative Agreement (waiting for release from National Office) is signed if the parcel ranks high enough for funding

•  SF-424, SF-424 A and SF-424B  (634 KB pdf) to be completed by the
  entity, instruction sheet (65 KB pdf)

                                                                                     Step 6
        Pre-Closing Continued                                                                                              2 to 3 months prior to close
   Entity submits the following documents within the requested time frame to allow for NRCS review:

• Baseline (116 KB PDF) [3-5 months prior to close] Word Document*(26 KB doc)

• Conservation Plan (fully signed [3-5 months prior to close]

• Forest Management Plan (FMP, if required) [2-3 months prior to close]

If environmental assessment yields negative results - STOP.  Further environmental evaluation will be required.

                                                                                     Step 7
        Pre-Closing Continued                                                                                              1 to 2 months prior to close
NRCS performs the following task:
       Preliminary Title Opinion -- Review and closing - approval by NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs

Entity submits the following documents within the requested time frame to allow for NRCS review:

• Advance of Funds documents (if needed) [1-2 months prior to close]           
                             - Waiver Request Letter (182 KB PDF) Word Document*(23 KB doc)
                             - Direct Deposit Form (SF-1199A) (for closing agent) (93 KB PDF)
                             - Assignment of Payment Form (CPA-1236) (105 KB PDF)
                             - Closing Protection Letter (10 KB PDF) Word Document* (32 KB doc)
                             - Proof of 1 million dollars of liability coverage (471 KB PDF)
                             - Advance of Funds/Funds Reimbursement Form* (SF-270) (42.5 KB xls)

• Confirmation of Matching Funds (CPA-230) [1 month to close] (17 KB PDF)

• Closing Landowner Interview [weeks to close
  NRCS performs the following task:

       NRCS Notarized Acceptance page for Conservation Easement Deed [Days before closing]

                                                                                  Step 5
        Pre-Closing                                                                                                             4 to 12 months prior to close
   Entity submits the following documents within the requested timeframe to allow for NRCS review:

• Survey [6-12 months prior to close] (256 KB PDF)                       

• Easement Deed Draft [5-12 months prior to close] (the Conservation Easement Deed Template that will be used should be submitted within 30 days of signing the cooperative agreement).  NRCS recommends using the approved
  2012 Conservation Easement Deed Template (waiting for release from National Office)

• Appraisal [4-12 months prior to close] (187 KB PDF)

• Preliminary Title Commitment Binder (637 KB PDF) [4-12 months prior to close]
                                  - ALTA Title Policy
                                  - Exceptions and Encumbrances -- photocopy of each referenced document
                                  - Chain of Title of fee ownership
                                  - Draft Mortgage Subordination or Discharge (if applicable)

                                                                                  Step 9
        Post-Closing Continued                                                                                              1 to 3 months after close

Entity submits copies of the following documents within the requested time frame to allow for NRCS review:

• Recorded Conservation Easement Deed [1-3 months after close]

• Final Title Commitment Binder [1-3 months after close]

• Closing Documents or HUD statement [1-3 months after close]

• Signed Mortgage Subordination or Discharge (if applicable) [1-3 months after close]
  
  
  Once all post-closing documents are in, NRCS can process:

• Advance of Funds/Funds Reimbursement Form* (SF-270) (if an advance of funds was not used) (42.5 KB xls)

Step 10

•  Monitoring Report (125 KB, PDF) [submitted annually after easement closes]                Annually in perpetuity
                                                                     Word Document*  (43 KB doc)