Cass SWCD
Conservation Easements
In 1986, the Reinvest in Minnesota Resources Act (RIM) was enacted to preserve sensitive environmental and agricultural land with the goal of protecting soil and water quality and supporting fish and wildlife habitat. The state's RIM program works to compensate landowners for granting conservation easements to establish/maintain native vegetation on environmentally sensitive lands.
Easement Programs
Mississippi Headwaters Habitat Corridor
This program helps landowners along or near the first 400 miles of the Mississippi River or on a tributary. This program provides landowners the opportunity to protect critical fish and wildlife habitat by permanently protecting their land.
Personal Incentives / Payments
Personal Incentive
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Landowner retains ownership and all rights of transfer
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Legacy protection of land and water
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Landowner may continue to hunt and use land with some restrictions
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Payments
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Payment is 60% of current county land value
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One time payment (taxable)
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The land remains taxable
Land Eligibility
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Parcel should be 20 acres or larger.
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The land must have been owned by the applicant, parent, or blood relative for at least one year.
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All liens must be paid off, or a consent (subordination) to the easement must be obtained.
Process (12-18 months)
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Contact the Cass SWCD for a site visit.
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Complete and submit application. (applications are ranked on habitat values, shoreline length, public land adjacency, and other criteria)
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If approved, sign agreement.
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Complete easement title process.
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Sign and record formal easement.
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Receive payment from the state.
Site Visit Request
Request a site visit with a conservation technician. Find out how your property can make a difference.
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Fill out the request form or call the number below.