Overview
The purpose of the RIM Reforestation program is to target historically forested lands for permanent protection and reforestation. In the pilot phase three watersheds will be eligible: the Redeye, Long Prairie and Rum River watersheds. Landscape Stewardship Plans have been completed for all three watersheds. These plans have prioritized land that has the most potential for restoration and protection. As a result, the ecologically highest ranked parcels will be targeted for inclusion in this voluntary program. Landowners can receive payment for enrolling in a perpetual conservation easement, financial assistance towards the completion of a Forest Stewardship Plan, and cost share for tree planting and other management activities that improve the land. Ultimately this program will sequester carbon, protect water quality, and improve wildlife habitat.
Program Details
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 35 acres
- Must be in the Redeye, Long Prairie or Rum River watersheds
- All RIM program eligibility requirements are met
- Current Forest Stewardship Plan that meets RIM requirements (can be done concurrently with easement process)
Criteria for Prioritization
- Subwatershed Protection Priority from Landscape Stewardship Plan
- Parcel size
- RAQ score
- Acres of open lands to be reforested
- Adjoining protected land
- Urgency
Benefits and Outcomes
Protection and restoration of current and historically forested lands will sequester carbon, maintain and improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat all of which will help to sustain populations of both humans and the wildlife that we depend on and enjoy.
Easement Application Materials
- RIM Application Guidance (pdf)
- Easement Acquisition Checklist (pdf)
- Conservation Easement Application (pdf)
- Area Assessment Form Word document (docx)
- RIM Reforestation Scoresheet (xlsx)
- Conservation Easement Financial Worksheet Tax Assessed Calculation Excel spreadsheet (xlsx)
- Agreement Information Form Word Document (docx)
- W-9 Form (IRS Website)
Geospatial Resources
Training
- RIM Reforestation Easement Program Training Webinar 1/9/2024
- RIM Application Training Webinar 11/17/2020
- RIM Easement Application Spring Training webinar recording 3/29/2022
- RIM Title Insurance Training Webinar 11/18/2020