Overview
This program targets RIM projects in priority areas that contribute toward goals in Board approved and locally adopted Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans developed through the One Watershed, One Plan program. In the Twin Cities Metro Area, lands identified in a locally adopted watershed management plan, a county groundwater plan, or a soil and water conservation district comprehensive plan are also eligible.
This program is available across areas with approved plans and includes areas of the state that traditionally have not been eligible for RIM programs. Landowners – Check with your Soil and Water Conservation District to see if your land qualifies.
Benefits
- Available anywhere a comprehensive watershed management plan has been approved and adopted statewide
- Integrates habitat planning with comprehensive watershed management planning and provides an incentive for habitat-based projects
- Implements locally driven conservation priorities as identified in comprehensive watershed management plans
- Stacks water quality and habitat benefits
Eligibility
In addition to standard RIM Reserve Program general eligibility criteria, applications must meet all three of the following:
- The project is identified in or makes a contribution to a goal in a BWSR approved and locally adopted Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan or eligible metro plan (see above).
- The project must leverage funds that benefit a priority water resource or contribute to a water related goal in a plan.
- The project must protect, restore, or enhance habitat for fish, game, and other wildlife.
Scoring
Projects will be scored using existing scoring sheets for the easement type being applied for. If a easement type that’s a RIM eligible project but for which a score sheet does not currently exist, BWSR easement staff will create a new score sheet.
Ranking
Projects of like types will be ranked according to their score, with the highest scoring projects ranked highest.
Project Selection
If decisions need to be made between projects of different types, scoring and ranking will be used in addition to additional considerations such as immediate threat and the strength of the connections in the eligibility criteria. For example, a strong project would be explicitly identified in a plan and use both CWF and OHF on the same project. A weaker project may not be explicitly identified in a plan but reasonably contribute to plan goals and it may fund a project in the same sub-watershed (e.g., HUC 12) as another water project.
Payment Rates
Cropland acres offered > or equal to non-cropland acres offered = Standard RIM Rates - Standard CEFW
Non-cropland acres offered > cropland acres offered = Protection Easement - Tax assessed CEFW
Enrollment Focus and Sign-up Schedule
This program is open statewide in areas with approved plans. Enrollment begins 2/1/2023.
Funding decisions will be made quarterly. Batching period deadlines are March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31.
Easement Application Materials
- RIM Application Guidance (pdf)
- Easement Acquisition Checklist (pdf)
- Conservation Easement Application (pdf)
- Scoresheets:
- RIM Wetlands Application Workbook (xlsx)
- RIM Riparian Lands score sheet (xlsx)
- RIM Working Lands (Grazing) score sheet (xlsm)
- RIM Grasslands Reserve score sheet (xlsx)
- RIM Wild Rice
- RIM Groundwater (Wellhead) score sheet
- RIM Buffers
- Area Assessment Form Word document (docx)
- Conservation Easement Financial Worksheet Excel spreadsheet (xlsx)
- Agreement Information Form Word document (docx)
- W-9 Form (IRS Website)
Geospatial Resources (see geospatial resources section of program pages linked below)
Training
- RIM Application Training Webinar 11/17/2020
- RIM Application Training Webinar 3/29/2022
- RIM Title Insurance Training Webinar 11/18/2020
- RIM 1W1P Easement Program Training Webinar recording 1/25/2023
