(1) In order for a small farm conservation easement to be considered for purchase by the Rural Land Management Board, a completed application shall be submitted by the landowner. The landowner or a duly authorized representative of the landowner may apply. All landowners shall sign the application. A separate application shall be required for each parcel of land offered for acquisition. The Board shall by regulation establish policies and procedures for the rural land staff to follow in assisting landowners with the application process. The following information shall be included in a completed application:
(a) Adequate identification by deed reference of the parcel of land to be considered for purchase.
(b) A map of the property at a scale of at least 1" = 600' showing the land area to be considered for purchase, as well as any contiguous acreage under the same ownership to be excluded, or a copy of a recorded plat of record, if any.
(c) A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Services Soil Map and conservation plan and/or forest stewardship plan, if any, for the parcel under consideration.
(d) A full description of the agricultural activity carried out on the property, including, as applicable, type and quality of crops, number of livestock, and acreage of land leased or used by others for agricultural production.
(e) A statement by the landowner of any contingencies which the landowner wishes to make the Rural Land Board aware of such as death, health, or retirement of the owner, financial stress, estate settlement, or other circumstances which may affect the property in the future.
(f) A statement by the landowner agreeing to allow inspection and appraisal of the parcel of land.
(g) A list of any and all liens and encumbrances on the parcel of land and a letter from the holder of each evidencing willingness to subordinate his or its interests to the conservation easement.
(h) Existence of any surface or mineral leases or easements.
(i) All other information requested on the approved application form.
(2) A member of the rural land staff shall review the application to determine if it is complete. If the application is complete, a member of the rural land staff shall make a preliminary evaluation of whether the parcel meets the minimum criteria established in Section 27-5. If it is determined by the rural land staff that the parcel of land is eligible for the Small Farm Conservation Easement Program, the staff shall notify the landowner in writing that the conservation easement will be considered for purchase or that, for reasons set forth in writing, the application is being rejected.
(Ord. No. 004-2025, § 1, 1-23-25)