[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 6]
[Revised as of January 1, 2008]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR625.5]

[Page 448]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
   CHAPTER VI--NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 625_HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 625.5  Application procedures.

    (a) Sign-up process. NRCS will publish an HFRP sign-up notice with 
sufficient time for individuals and entities to consider the benefits of 
participation prior to the opening of the sign-up period. In the public 
sign-up notice, the Chief will announce and explain the rationale for 
decisions for the following information:
    (1) The geographic scope of the sign-up;
    (2) Any additional program eligibility criteria that are not 
specifically listed in this part;
    (3) Any additional requirements that participants must include in 
their HFRP applications and program agreements that are not specifically 
identified in this part;
    (4) Information on the priority order of enrollment for funding;
    (5) An estimate of the total funds NRCS expects to obligate under 
new program agreements during a given sign-up; and
    (6) The schedule for the sign-up process, including the deadline(s) 
for applying.
    (b) Application for participation. To apply for enrollment through 
an easement or 10-year cost-share agreement, a landowner must submit an 
application for participation in the HFRP during an announced period for 
such sign-up.
    (c) Preliminary agency actions. By filing an application for 
participation, the applicant consents to an NRCS representative entering 
upon the land for purposes of determining land eligibility, and for 
other activities that are necessary or desirable for the NRCS to make 
offers of enrollment. The applicant is entitled to accompany an NRCS 
representative on any site visits.
    (d) Voluntary reduction in compensation. In order to enhance the 
probability of enrollment in HFRP, an applicant may voluntarily offer to 
accept a lesser payment than is being offered by NRCS.