Conservation easements are voluntary programs where the State of Minnesota, through the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), provides opportunities for landowners to enroll lands into a State held conservation easement.  Lands eligible for conservation easements must provide soil and water quality and wildlife habitat benefits.  Easement programs include Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM), Permanent Wetland Easements (PWP) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).

Most conservation easements held by the State are perpetual with the exception of some CREP easements which are 45 year easements.  The State pays a fair value for the rights being purchased through the easement terms.  The fair value varies by township and crop vs non-crop land being enrolled.  Landowners retain full ownership of the property and can hunt, fish, trap, hike, etc. on the easement.  No public access is allowed unless granted by the landowner.  Rights conveyed to the State include, but is not limited to, habitat management, development, mining, and similar landscape altering activities.  The easement is recorded on the land title with the county recorder and transfers with the land when the parcel is sold or split.

Upon enrollment, landowners work with their local SWCD to develop a Conservation Plan which outlines habitat practices, such as prairie, tree, wetland, and food plot locations.  Cost-share is available to assist with establishment of prairie and tree plantings and wetland restorations.  Continued management of the plantings and noxious weed control is the responsibility of the landowner.  Easements are regularly inspected by SWCD staff to ensure Conservation Easements are being maintained.