Groundwater Protection Area sign on edge of a farm field

Overview

Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment logo

BWSR has received funding through the Clean Water Fund for Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) easements targeting areas of sensitive groundwater. BWSR will utilize the RIM easement program in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to target, protect, and restore high priority sites.

Benefits

Decrease nitrogen in public groundwater supply wells.

Enrollment Focus and Sign-Up Schedule

The RIM Drinking Water program is available statewide and seeks to protect areas where the vulnerability of the Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) is designated as High or Very High by a Source Water Protection Plan, is designated as mitigation Level 1 or 2 under the Groundwater Protection Rule, or drinking water protection plans developed by Tribal governments have identified high vulnerability. The focus of this program is for land under existing row crop production. This will be accomplished by the establishment of perennial vegetation through limited-term (25-year) or perpetual easements. Drinking Water-Friendly Activities will be allowed. Applications will be accepted and reviewed monthly. Applications will be reviewed in the month following submission. Enrollment begins July 2025.

Eligibility and Guidance

Easement Application Materials

     Reference:

     Application Package Forms:

     Easement Boundary Survey Requirements:

     Geospatial Resources:

 

Drinking Water Protection Partner Agreements

Overview

BWSR has received funding through the Clean Water Fund to protect areas of sensitive groundwater. The Drinking Water Protection Partner Agreement is available to local government units for fee title acquisitions to protect public drinking water sources where state-held easements are not viable.

Application

Applications and all associated materials can be submitted to bwsr.rim@state.mn.us. Applications will be reviewed by BWSR, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Health, and Minnesota Rural Water Association.

 

Contact

Sara Reagan
Easement Programs Coordinator