The following terms apply to this part:

Appeal rights means the right of the participant to appeal a decision to the National Appeals Division (NAD) pursuant to part 614 of this chapter.

Chief means the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or a person with delegated authority to act for the Chief.

Covered program means a conservation program administered by NRCS.

Equitable relief means an action described in §635.5 of this part.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) means an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which has responsibility for administering covered programs, including those using the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

OGC means the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Participant means a participant in a covered program.

Secretary means the Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture.

State means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

State Conservationist means the NRCS employee authorized to direct and supervise NRCS activities in a State or the State Conservationist's designee.