(a) NRCS recognizes that significant historical, archeological, and architectural resources are an important part of our national heritage, the protection of which requires careful consideration in this agency's project planning and implementation process.

(b) NRCS will take reasonable precautions to avoid damaging any significant historic, cultural, or natural aspects of our national heritage and will work with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) in identifying and seeking to avoid or mitigate adverse effects of NRCS-assisted projects on the Nation's significant cultural resources. The procedures contained in this part have been developed to comply with sections 1(3) and 2(c) of Executive Order 11593.