Minnesota RIM Riparian & Floodplain Restoration Easements

Outdoor Heritage Fund and Clean Water Fund-financed RIM easements on existing row crop land in riparian areas or mapped floodplains, statewide, to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. Limited-term and perpetual easements are offered with flexibility for limited working-lands activities. Landowners apply through their SWCD in January, July and October batching windows. Landowners apply through their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), which submits the package to BWSR.

The land targeted for this program is existing row crop within a riparian area or a mapped floodplain. RIM Reserve Program general eligibility criteria (RIM Handbook pages 1-7) apply; waiver form available for exceptions.

Limited-term or perpetual easement; township-average payment rate; limited working-lands activities allowed per guidance document.

Published amounts: Payment Rate Type: Township average.

Through your local SWCD during the January, July or October batching month: Conservation Easement Application, Area Assessment Form, RIM Riparian and Floodplain Restoration Application Scoresheet, Financial Worksheet, Agreement Information Form, Crop History Worksheet, W-9.

Deadline text on the page: Program page: 'Applications will be accepted during the months of January, July, and October, dependent on availability of funds. Applications must be submitted by the last day of the applicable month. Enrollment begins 10/02/2023.' Easement Programs page: 'Application Type: Batch; July 1, 2026 - August 14, 2026'; Funding Status: Available. Next expected window October 2026.