Mower County landowners could be eligible for more than $7,000 per eligible acre under a new initiative for the Reinvest In Minnesota program focused on improving water quality and wildlife habitat.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources opened a competitive signup for the RIM program aimed at creating permanent native buffers adjacent to streams, lakes and ditches. The RIM application period will end June 30.

Under the program, Mower County landowners who qualify could receive $7,200 to $7,900 per acre. Those interested should contact the Mower County Soil & Water Conservation District in Austin.

Eligible acres for the RIM program include existing CRP land and cropland; the land also must be owned for at least one year. Buffers also must be a minimum of 50 feet, and haying and grazing would be allowed under an approved plan. RIM also will pay for woods and grass between the cropland and waterway.

Mower County landowners who have questions about the program or would like to sign up should contact the Mower County SWCD staff at 507-434-2603 or go to the SWCD office at 1408 21st Ave. NW in Austin.