Programs
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) encourages agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their operations. CSP is a voluntary conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. CSP provides opportunities to both recognize excellent stewards and deliver valuable new conservation.
Reinvest in Minnesota Wetland Restoration Program (RIM)
A federal program that enrolls previously drained and re-storable wetlands. Enrollment can include up to one acre of non-cropped upland and four acres of cropped land per acre or wetland. The landowner maintains ownership, controls access, and pays taxes, usually at a lower rate.
Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
A federal program that enrolls re-storable farmed or prior converted wetlands. The land must have been farmed for at least one year during the last 5 years. Adjacent land with a 100 foot buffer may also be enrolled. The landowner maintains ownership and hunting rights, controls access, pays taxes, and maintains practices.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
A federal program that enrolls highly erodible or environmentally sensitive cropland that has been farmed 2 of the last 5 years. The landowner controls access and must have owned acreage for at least one year. The landowner also agrees to plant and maintain permanent areas of vegetation to improve water quality or provide food and habitat for wildlife.
Environment Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
A federal program that provides cost-share funds to pay up to 50% of the cost to implement conservation practices such as erosion control structures and improved animal waste storage structures. Incentive payments are also available to producers for implementing improved land management practices like: nutrient, manure, integrated pest, and wildlife management.