Overview
This program seeks to protect remnant or native prairie and add buffering grasslands to wildlife habitat complexes. It focuses on areas that are not typically covered by other state and federal programs. The program provides habitat for a wide range of grassland dependent wildlife including endangered plants, birds, and butterflies.
RIM Grasslands is funded by Minnesota's Outdoor Heritage Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, works with established Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan Local Technical Teams (LTTs), and follows the Prairie Conservation Plan Strategic Guide (pdf).
Guidance
- RIM Grasslands Program Guidance (pdf) 1/1/2026
- RIM Application Guidance (pdf) 1/1/2026
Application Materials
- Easement Acquisition Checklist (pdf) 3/17/2022
- Conservation Easement Application (pdf) 9/23/2025
- RIM Grasslands Scoresheet (pdf) 1/15/2026
- RIM Grasslands Waiver (pdf) 12/1/2025
- Area Assessment Form Word document (docx)
- RIM Plant Inventory (pdf) 10/28/2025
- Conservation Easement Financial Worksheet (pdf) 7/1/2025
- Agreement Information Form Word document (docx) 5/10/2024
- W-9 Form (IRS Website)
Geospatial Resources
- Minnesota Biological Survey Sites of Biodiversity Significance
- MNDNR Native Plant Communities
- MNDNR Native Prairies
- MN Prairie Conservation Plan Core and Corridors (zip)
- Potentially Undisturbed Land
