Minnesota Native Prairie Bank

A permanent conservation easement that pays landowners a one-time sum to protect never-plowed native prairie. Owners keep the land and can keep compatible farm uses such as grazing under an approved plan, haying, or seed collection.

• Land with remnant native prairie vegetation that has never been plowed (restored former cropland does not qualify)

• Grazing, haying or seed collection can be retained if compatible with protecting prairie values

Perpetual easement; payment as lump sum or in up to four tax years, no interest; 1099-S issued; donated value is matched by RIM credits; payment reduced for hayed acres.

Published amounts: Payments for Prairie Bank easements are 65 percent of the permanent marginal agricultural land payment rate in your township as established by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. (FAQ) Lump sum or up to four installments.

Contact a local Native Prairie Bank contact (DNR prairie specialist) and complete the application.

Deadline text on the page: No deadline published; find a local Native Prairie Bank contact, and when you are ready complete the application.