NOTE: All completed and signed project applications utilizing the LGRWRP should be emailed to LGRWRP.BWSR@state.mn.us . See the following guidance for information on utilizing the program.
Guidance on Preparing and Processing LGRWRP Applications 9/20/2024 (pdf)
The Local Government Road Wetland Replacement Program (LGRWRP) was established to provide wetland mitigation for certain qualifying road reconstruction, repair and rehabilitation projects conducted by local road authorities (cities, townships, counties). BWSR provides wetland mitigation for wetland impacts incurred as a result of a qualifying project. Prior to program establishment in 1996, road authorities were responsible for providing their own wetland mitigation for such projects. Local road authorities must follow the required process to take advantage of the program.
LGRWRP project eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Does not involve new roads or roads expanded solely for additional traffic capacity lanes in anticipation of future demand.
- Must involve repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction or replacement of a currently serviceable road to meet state or federal design or safety standards or requirements.
- Must minimize wetland impacts.
- Must provide project plans and information including wetland boundaries, wetland impacts by type and demonstration of wetland impact minimization to the TEP at least 30 days prior to construction. For emergency maintenance work impacting less than 10,000 square feet of wetland, project plans and information may be submitted within 30 days of construction.
Local road authorities are strongly encouraged to schedule at least an annual meeting with members of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) to discuss and help determine which upcoming road projects might qualify for the program. Local road authorities must complete the applicable parts of the Minnesota joint application form for those projects that meet program requirements and distribute them to all members of the TEP as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Upon approval by the TEP via signatures, the local road authority must provide the signed form to the BWSR Wetland Mitigation Coordinator and/or his/her designee. In addition, the associated Corps permit number must be provided to BWSR so that their mitigation requirements can be satisfied by BWSR as well.
Opportunities for Restoration Projects and Credit Purchases
On October 13, 2025, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) issued a request for proposal (RFPs) and opened an easement sign-up period, all aimed at acquiring and generating wetland credits in targeted areas across the state.
The RFPs and easement sign-up period offer opportunities for individuals and entities to collaborate with the State to develop wetland credits through restoration projects, as well as for wetland bank account holders to sell existing deposited credits. A summary of available options and a comparison of restoration pathways is provided below. Detailed guidance and application materials are included under each respective heading.
Application Deadline: All submissions must be received by 4:30 PM on November 13, 2025.
Program Participation Fact Sheet
Restoration Project Option Comparison Table
Direct Purchase of Wetland Credits
Wetland bank account holders in Bank Service Areas 5 and 9 with Circular 39 wetland credit types 2, 3, 6, 1, 4, or 7 (in order of preference) are eligible to respond to this RFP.
Interested account holders should review the accompanying fact sheet and application materials to ensure full understanding of program requirements and conditions.
Direct Credit Purchase Fact Sheet
Direct Credit Purchase Proposal Form
Direct Credit Purchase Attachment A
Direct Credit Purchase Attachment B
Direct Credit Purchase Attachment C
Easement Sign-up
BWSR is seeking landowners in Bank Service Areas (BSAs) 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 interested in restoring wetlands on their property through a perpetual conservation easement. Landowners receive per-acre payment for granting the easement.
BWSR assumes responsibility for:
- Project design
- Regulatory approvals
- All restoration costs
Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) typically assist with easement acquisition, construction oversight, and invoicing. Landowners are expected to hire contractors to implement the BWSR-approved restoration plan and are fully reimbursed for construction expenses.
Easement Acquisition Fact Sheet
Conservation Easement Application Checklist
Conservation Easement Application Form
Conservation Easement Landowner Questionnaire and Assessment Form
Conservation Easement Area Crop History - Land Use Form
Conservation Easement Payment Calculation Worksheet
2025 Easement Application Payment Rates
Third Party Project
BWSR is seeking proposals from landowners and other entities independently pursuing wetland banking projects within Bank Service Areas (BSAs) 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, who are interested in selling credits to the State.
Payment will be made on a cost-per-credit basis, as proposed by the respondent, and reflects BWSR’s compensation for both the conservation easement and restoration activities required to generate wetland credits.
Important Eligibility Note: The restoration site must not be encumbered by a perpetual conservation easement in favor of the State prior to execution of the agreement between BWSR and the landowner.
Third Party Project Fact Sheet
Third Party Project Application Checklist
Third Party Project Proposal Form
Third Party Conservation Easement Landowner Questionnaire and Assessment Form
Third Party Project Attachment A
Third Party Project Attachment B
Partnership Project
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is seeking to develop wetland credits within Bank Service Areas (BSAs) 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, through collaborative restoration projects with landowners, local governments, and other qualified entities. These projects focus on restoring previously drained or filled wetlands and leverage BWSR’s technical expertise, regulatory experience, and design capabilities.
Respondents should be familiar with the wetland banking process and prepared to meet the technical and financial requirements associated with bank development, including the capacity to support project construction.
Under this model, a portion of the credits generated will be sold to BWSR at a cost that reflects actual project expenses.
Partnership Project Fact Sheet
Partnership Project Application Checklist
Partnership Project Conservation Easement Landowner Questionnaire and Assessment Form
Partnership Project Attachment A
Partnership Project Attachment B
Questions on the easement sign-up process or the RFP can be directed to the BWSR staff identified below.
Dennis Rodacker, Wetland Mitigation Supervisor, dennis.rodacker@state.mn.us (651) 666-0913