5409.17,30
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        FSH 5409.17 - RIGHTS-OF-WAY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK
                    WO AMENDMENT 5409.17-91-1
                        EFFECTIVE 9/3/91

           CHAPTER 30 - CLOSING EASEMENT ACQUISITIONS

Following title approval by the Regional Attorney, close the case 
as described in this chapter.

31 - PAYMENT OF CONSIDERATION.  Process a voucher for the 
consideration recited in the deed immediately upon receipt of 
title approval.  Be sure to make out the voucher for payment to 
the grantor(s) exactly as recited in the easement conveyance.  In 
the case of multiple grantors, mail the check to the address 
specified by the grantors.  Attach a copy of the final title 
opinion to the voucher.

Prompt payment to grantors helps in negotiating future 
acquisitions.  Delay in payment has a serious adverse effect.  
Also, do not use an easement until it is paid for, except with 
the express permission of the grantor.  It is good practice to 
ensure that grantors have received checks and to annotate the 
file accordingly.

32 - POSTING STATUS RECORDS.  Post each acquisition in the road 
right-of-way status record (FSM 5491).  The forest shall prepare 
the required tabular record sheet and sketch and send them to the 
status section.

33 - FILING EASEMENT CONVEYANCES.  A permanent easement file is 
maintained in the Regional Office and in the Forest Supervisor's 
Office.  Transfer the easement conveyance and final title opinion 
from the case file to the permanent conveyance file when the case 
is closed and retain them as part of the landownership records 
(FSM 5492).