Both the landowner and the site must meet certain requirements, depending on the program, to be eligible for a RIM easement. A determination of eligibility should be made early in discussions with the landowner. Before proceeding with an application, refer to the RIM Eligibility page, as well as program specific guidance, to determine if the landowner and the land meet eligibility requirements.
BWSR contracts with local government units such as soil and water conservation districts to implement Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) easement programs. To do this, BWSR and each SWCD complete a Master Joint Powers Agreement. An MJPA is an overarching agreement that allows an SWCD to enter into work order contracts for their services and request reimbursement for costs associated with RIM easements. The current MJPAs will be in place until January 2029.
In 2023, BWSR was appropriated funds to enhance easements for the purposes for climate resiliency, adaptation, and carbon sequestration. These funds will be used to inspect aging easements and enhance existing easements when the work aligns with Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework.