RIM-WRP Partnership: Phase V

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$13,292,600
Fund Source
Outdoor Heritage Fund
Recipient
BWSR
Recipient Type
State Government
Status
Completed
Start Date
July 2013
End Date
December 2019
Activity Type
Land Acquisition
Counties Affected
Becker
Blue Earth
Clay
Freeborn
Le Sueur
Lincoln
Lyon
Meeker
Murray
Nobles
Otter Tail
Redwood
Stevens
Todd
Wilkin
Becker
Blue Earth
Clay
Freeborn
Le Sueur
Lincoln
Lyon
Meeker
Murray
Nobles
Otter Tail
Redwood
Stevens
Todd
Wilkin
Project Overview

The Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Wetlands Partnership Phase V protected and restored 2,041 acres of previously drained wetlands and adjacent native grasslands on 23 conservation easements. All easements have been recorded. $35,000 of funds from other sources were also used.  

Project Details

The RIM Wetlands Partnership Phase V accelerated the restoration and protection of 2,041 acres of previously drained wetlands and associated upland native grassland wildlife habitat complexes via permanent conservation easements.  The goal of the RIM Wetlands Partnership was to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, while optimizing wildlife habitat on every acre enrolled in the partnership.  

Twenty-three permanent conservation easements were recorded, protecting 2,041 acres in permanent RIM easements. These protected wetland and grassland complexes will provide critical habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife species in Minnesota.  

The RIM Wetlands Partnership utilized a local-state-federal partnership, delivered by Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).  In addition, the project included collaboration with Ducks Unlimited, the Minnesota Waterfowl Association, Pheasants Forever, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the United States Department of Interior - Fish and Wildlife Services. 

Ducks Unlimited (DU) was a full partner in the RIM Wetlands Partnership.  DU promoted RIM easements, and provided engineering services, technical assistance and project management services through DU specialists. 

RIM Wetlands Partnership statewide sign-up was completed in early 2015. Applications were scored and ranked using the RIM Wetland Restoration Evaluation Worksheet.  The worksheet determined which restoration projects provided the greatest wetland functions and values and optimized wildlife habitat.  The highest scoring applications were funded.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
ML 2013, Ch. 137, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 4(a)
Appropriation Language

$13,390,000 in the first year is to the Board of Soil and Water Resources to acquire permanent conservation easements and restore wetlands and associated upland habitat in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture Wetlands Reserve Program and Ducks Unlimited, including $1,000,000 for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited to provide technical and bioengineering assistance. Up to $120,000 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.

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$13,292,600
Other Funds Leveraged
$35,000
Direct expenses
$13,292,600
Administration costs
$0
Number of full time equivalents funded
0
Measurable Outcome(s)

2041 acres protected (in easement)

Source of Additional Funds

NRCS

Project Manager
First Name
Sharon
Last Name
Doucette
Organization Name
Board of Water and Soil Resources
Street Address
520 Lafayette Road North
City
St. Paul
State
MN
Zip Code
55155
Phone
(651) 297-1894
Email
sharon.doucette@state.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651- 296-3767