RIM 1W1P (Integrating Clean Water and Habitat)

Applications for NEW easements are on-hold until July 1, 2025 due to a lack of funding

Overview

This program targets RIM projects in priority areas that contribute toward goals in Board approved and locally adopted Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans developed through the One Watershed, One Plan program. In the Twin Cities Metro Area, lands identified in a locally adopted watershed management plan, a county groundwater plan, or a soil and water conservation district comprehensive plan are also eligible.

This program is available across areas with approved plans and includes areas of the state that traditionally have not been eligible for RIM programs. Landowners – Check with your Soil and Water Conservation District to see if your land qualifies.

Benefits

• Available anywhere a comprehensive watershed management plan has been approved and adopted statewide
• Integrates habitat planning with comprehensive watershed management planning and provides an incentive for habitat-based projects
• Implements locally driven conservation priorities as identified in comprehensive watershed management plans
• Stacks water quality and habitat benefits

Eligibility

In addition to standard RIM Reserve Program general eligibility criteria, applications must meet all three of the following:

1. The project will protect, restore, or enhance habitat for fish, game, and other wildlife.
2. Offer is located in an area with an approved Comprehensive watershed management plan (CWMP)
3. The project must do one or more of the following: 1) contribute to a measurable goal, 2) be located in a priority area, 3) and/or address an issue or implementation action in a CWMP

Scoring/Ranking

NEW RIM-1W1P Scoresheet linked in Application Materials section below

Payment Rates

Cropland acres offered > or equal to non-cropland acres offered = Standard RIM Rates - Conservation Easement Financial Worksheet (pdf)

Non-cropland acres offered > cropland acres offered = Protection Easement - Conservation Easement Financial Worksheet Tax Assessed Calculation Excel spreadsheet (xlsm)

Enrollment Focus and Sign-up Schedule

This program is open statewide to areas with approved plans.  Enrollment begins 2/1/2023. 

Funding decisions will be made quarterly. Batching period deadlines are March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31.

Easement Application Materials

• RIM Application Guidance (pdf)
• Easement Acquisition Checklist (pdf)
• Conservation Easement Application (pdf)
  • Supplemental Landowner Questionnaire (pdf)
• RIM-1W1P Application Scoresheet Excel (xlsm)
• Area Assessment Form Word document (docx)
• Conservation Easement Financial Worksheet Excel spreadsheet (xlsx)
  • Standard (> or equal to 50% of offered land with crop history)
  • Tax-assessed (<50% of offered land with crop history)
• Agreement Information Form Word document (docx)
• W-9 Form (IRS Website)

Geospatial Resources

• RIM Additional Wildlife Benefits (zip)
• Wildlife Action Network (WAN)
• Permanently protected areas of Minnesota (list not comprehensive):
  • State Administered Lands - DNR Management Units
  • FWS National Realty Tracts - Simplified
  • RIM Perpetual Easements (exclude limited duration and expired easements)
  • NRCS Easements with permanent duration
  • Public Waters (PW) Basin and Watercourse Delineations

Training

• RIM Application Training Webinar 11/17/2020
• RIM Application Training Webinar 3/29/2022
• RIM Title Insurance Training Webinar 11/18/2020
• RIM 1W1P Easement Program Training Webinar recording 1/25/2023

One Watershed, One Plan Participating Watersheds

The most up-to-date map can be found on this page.