RIM Buffers for Wildlife and Water - Phase IX
This continuation of the RIM Buffers program will protect and restore riparian areas, permanently protecting approximately 900 acres on 30 easements. This program will continue utilizing a science-based ranking and selection process and be implemented locally, working with SWCD staff in targeted areas in the state. Historically, buffer funding was used to expand basic water quality buffers into larger buffers. The focus of the funding is modified in this phase to include larger areas (floodplain scale) rather than the narrower areas traditionally thought of as riparian buffers and is in conjunction with a similar funding request to the CWC.
Riparian corridors containing healthy buffer and floodplain areas contribute to clean water and, when done correctly, provide critical wildlife habitat and travel corridors. The MN Buffer Law requires a modest buffer area on roughly 50% of these riparian areas but does not follow technical design criteria or accommodate flooding issues, and allows continued disturbance of these areas not favorable to wildlife. By extending the smaller required buffer area, we can create significantly better wildlife habitat while achieving multiple benefits. This partnership program between Outdoor Heritage Fund, Clean Water Fund, and potentially Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), would establish permanent riparian areas that provide both improved habitat and water quality benefits.
Criteria used to evaluate and prioritize parcels funded under this program include: One Watershed One Plans or other comprehensive water plans, proximity to other permanently protected habitat, DNR Pheasant Action Plan, MN Prairie Plan, proximity to lands open to public hunting, overall size, and type of water resource being buffered. A competitive RIM application process for landowners will be used. The goal for this new phase will be funding from both LSOHC and Clean Water Fund on a 1:1 basis as well as USDA when possible under existing or new CRP enrollment. Wider riparian areas provide long-term water quality treatment and increased habitat. Buffers that are established in proximity to other grasslands within the landscape benefit grassland nesting birds and other wildlife.
Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Buffers program delivery will be supported by delivery through Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and administered by Minnesota BWSR.
$4,170,000 the first year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire permanent conservation easements and restore habitat under Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515, to protect, restore, and enhance habitat, including by expanding the riparian buffer and floodplain program under the clean water fund for wildlife benefits from buffers on private land. Of this amount, up to $195,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the final report.
Protected, restored, and enhanced aspen parklands and riparian areas - A summary of the total acres acquired through this appropriation will be reported. On-site inspections are performed every three years and compliance checks are performed in the other two years to ensure maintained outcomes. An increase of native grassland habitat is expected to increase the carrying capacity of grassland-dependent wildlife. This would have a positive impact on both game and non-game species. We expect more abundant populations of endangered, threatened, special concern and game species as these areas are restored.
A network of natural land and riparian habitats will connect corridors for wildlife and species in greatest conservation need - A summary of the total acres acquired through this appropriation will be reported. On-site inspections are performed every three years and compliance checks are performed in the other two years to ensure maintained outcomes. An increase of native grassland habitat is expected to increase the carrying capacity of grassland-dependent wildlife. This would have a positive impact on both game and non-game species. We expect more abundant populations of endangered, threatened, special concern and game species as these areas are restored.
Rivers, streams, and surrounding vegetation provide corridors of habitat - A summary of the total acres acquired through this appropriation will be reported. On-site inspections are performed every three years and compliance checks are performed in the other two years to ensure maintained outcomes. An increase of native grassland habitat is expected to increase the carrying capacity of grassland-dependent wildlife. This would have a positive impact on both game and non-game species. We expect more abundant populations of endangered, threatened, special concern and game species as these areas are restored.
Expiring CRP lands are permanently protected - A summary of the total acres acquired through this appropriation will be reported. On-site inspections are performed every three years and compliance checks are performed in the other two years to ensure maintained outcomes. An increase of native grassland habitat is expected to increase the carrying capacity of grassland-dependent wildlife. This would have a positive impact on both game and non-game species. We expect more abundant populations of endangered, threatened, special concern and game species as these areas are restored