§ 614.203 - Mediation of adverse final decisions.

(a) Any dispute with respect to an adverse final decision related to the programs provided in § 614.200 shall, at the request of the landowner or program, be mediated:

(1) Through certified individual in those States where a State Mediation Program has been established. Conservation district officials in certified State Mediation Program States may become certified by the State and utilized for mediation, if they choose to participate.

(2) In States where no certified mediation program is in effect, through mediation by a qualified representative of a local conservation district, if a local conservation district chooses to participate. Upon mutual agreement of the parties, other individuals may serve as mediators.

(b)(1) The parties shall have not more than 30 days to reach an agreement following a mediation session. The mediator shall notify the designated conservationist in writing at the end of this period whether the parties reached an agreement.

(2) Any agreement reached during, or as a result of, the mediation process shall conform to the statutory, regulatory, and manual provisions governing the program.

(3) If the parties fail to reach an agreement within the specified period, the designated conservationist shall have up to 30 days after the conclusion of mediation to issue a final decision.