Overview
This program is now out of funding for new easements
The purpose of the RIM Grazing easement program is to protect existing grazing lands for the benefit of surface and groundwater through “working lands” easements. Priority is given to lands that are used predominantly for grazing but can also encompass adjacent areas that are beneficial to wildlife. A grazing plan is required for all lands that will be grazed.
Program Details
The scoring/parcel prioritization will include the following criteria:
- Grazing land complex size
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- Connectivity
- Adjacency to public waters and public ditches
- Habitat benefits
- Adjacency to protected lands
- Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (CWMP) priority
Easement Application Materials
- RIM Application Guidance (pdf)
- Easement Acquisition Checklist (pdf)
- Conservation Easement Application (pdf)
- Area Assessment Form Word document (docx)
- RIM Grazing Scoresheet (pdf) 3/24/2026
- Conservation Easement Financial Worksheet (CEFW) - Tax Assessed Calculation (xlsm)
- Agreement Information Form Word Document (docx)
- W-9 Form (IRS Website)
Geospatial Resources
- Geospatial Resources Page contains layers and resources specific to each RIM program