Grassland Easements

What is a Grassland Easement?

A grassland easement is a legal agreement signed with United States of America, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) that pays you to permanently keep your land in grass. Many landowners never plan on putting their land into crop production and can benefit from the added cash incentive of a grassland easement. Land covered by a grassland easement may not be cultivated. Mowing, haying, and grass seed harvesting must be delayed until after July 15 each year. This restriction is to help grassland nesting species, such as ducks and pheasants, complete their nesting before the grass is disturbed. Grazing is not restricted in anyway.

Land Qualifications: Does any land qualify for a grassland easement?

No. Property must lie within an approved county and have potential value to wildlife. Highest priority lands are large tracts of grassland with high wetland densities and native prairie or soils most likely to be converted to cropland.

The Easement Process: How do I apply for the program and begin the process?

Simply contact Chase Lake Prairie Project at (701) 752-4218. A site inspection of your property will be scheduled if you determine that you would like to participate in the easement program.

The Payment Process: How is payment determined?

A Service appraiser estimates the value of the easement based on fair market value appraisal. This appraisal is based on the affect of the easement on your property. The appraisal is then approved by a Service review appraiser.

If the Proposed Easement is Mortgaged: What if I have a mortgage on the property?

Usually, mortgages do not affect easement transactions. If the mortgage holder needs to consent to the easement, we will ask the mortgage holder for a signed statement known as a subordination agreement, which subordinated the rights of the mortgage to those of the easement.

For further information please contact us.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service