1491.30—Violations and remedies.

(a) In the event of a violation of the terms of the easement, the eligible entity shall notify the landowner. The landowner may be given reasonable notice and, where appropriate, an opportunity to voluntarily correct the violation in accordance with the terms of the conservation easement.
(b) In the event that the entity fails to enforce any of the terms of the conservation easement, as determined in the sole discretion of the Chief, the Chief and his or her successors or assigns may exercise the United States' rights to enforce the terms of the conservation easement through any and all authorities available under Federal or State law.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, NRCS, upon notification to the landowner, reserves the right to enter upon the easement area at any time to monitor conservation plan implementation or remedy deficiencies or easement violations, as it relates to the conservation plan. The entry may be made at the discretion of NRCS when the actions are deemed necessary to protect highly erodible soils and wetland resources. The landowner will be liable for any costs incurred by the NRCS as a result of the landowner's negligence or failure to comply with the easement requirements as it relates to conservation plan violations.
(d) The United States shall be entitled to recover any and all administrative and legal costs from the participating entity, including attorney's fees or expenses, associated with any enforcement or remedial action as it relates to the enforcement of the FRPP easement.
(e) In instances where an easement is terminated or extinguished, NRCS shall collect CCC's share of the conservation easement based on the appraised fair market value of the conservation easement at the time the easement is extinguished or terminated. CCC's share shall be in proportion to its percentage of original investment.
(f) In the event NRCS determines it must exercise its rights identified under a conservation easement or other interest in land, NRCS shall provide written notice by certified mail to the grantee at the grantee's last known address. The notice will set forth the nature of the noncompliance by the grantee and a 60-day period to cure. If the grantee fails to cure within the 60-day period, NRCS shall take the action specified under the notice. NRCS reserves the right to decline to provide a period to cure if NRCS determines that imminent harm may result to the conservation values or other interest in land it seeks to protect.

Code of Federal Regulations

[74 FR 2818, Jan. 16, 2009, as amended at 74 FR 31581, July 2, 2009]