This part is issued in accordance with the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture at 7 CFR 1.1 through 1.16 implementing the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. The Secretary's regulations, as implemented by the regulations in this part, govern the availability to the public of records of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the records for which the Natural Resources Conservation Service has custodial responsibility.

Natural Resources Conservation Service will make available for public inspection and copying those materials covered by 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2) as set out in the Secretary's regulations.

Requests for records under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(3) will be made in accordance with 7 CFR 1.3(a). The titles and mailing addresses of the officials in Natural Resources Conservation Service authorized to receive requests for records are shown in Appendix A of this subpart. Authority is hereby delegated to these officials to make determinations regarding such requests in accordance with 7 CFR 1.4(c).

Any person whose request for records above is denied shall have the right to appeal that denial in accordance with 7 CFR 1.3(e). All appeals shall be addressed to: Administrator, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013.

Records exempt under 5 U.S.C. 552(b) may be withheld in accordance with 7 CFR 1.11.