The goal of the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve Riparian Buffer Easement Program is to establish permanent vegetative buffers on land adjacent to surface waters (lakes, rivers, streams). Vegetative buffer areas can vary between 50 and 200 feet from the banks of surface waters. Buffers trap sediment and immobilize nutrients and pesticides in field runoff and provide wildlife cover. Landowners are compensated for enrolling in the program.

The AgBMP Loan Program provides low interest loans for projects that reduce existing water quality problems caused by agricultural activities or failing septic systems to farmers, rural landowners and agriculture supply businesses. Eligible activities include:

• Feedlot improvements
• Upgrading manure storage basins
• Improved manure handling equipment
• Conservation practices
• Conservation tillage equipment
• Upgrading of failing sewage treatment systems
• Sealing abandoned wells

The feedlot officer is responsible for administering the feedlot program according to Minnesota Rule Chapter 7020 and the Meeker County Feedlot Ordinance. This includes assisting landowners in the registration of feedlots and updating of the feedlot inventory within the county.

Meeker SWCD staff will assist landowners in tree species selection, design layout and planting of field windbreaks and farmstead shelterbelts. The SWCD also provides a tree matting installation service. Tree matting helps control unwanted weed growth and retains moisture that accelerates tree growth. Along with this service, individual orders are taken from landowners and these trees are distributed in early spring.

Landowners from Meeker County can now enroll land in the Walk-In Access program which provides public access to private land. Landowners, in turn, are paid for the access. Bonuses are added if more than 140 contiguous acres are enrolled, if the land is within 1/2 mile of existing state or federal hunting land, or if a multi-year agreement is signed.

Walk-in targets privately owned parcels of 40 acres or more, which are enrolled in a conservation program such as Conservation Reserve Program or Reinvest In Minnesota. River bottoms, wetlands and other high quality habitat can also be considered for the program.

Walk-in lands are open for public hunting only, each year from September 1st to May 31st. No target practice, trapping, dog training, camping, horseback riding or fires are allowed. Enrolled acres are for walk-in traffic only - no vehicles are allowed on conservation land.