We still hay it. And visitors are astonished at how open, peaceful and beautiful it is. That's why we hang onto it. For us and other people to enjoy. In 1987, the Minnesota state legislature created the Native Prairie Bank program as part of the Reinvest in Minnesota legislation.
Permanent easements receive priority.
Easements reward landowners and their families for preserving prairie in its natural state. Landowners receive payment for their native prairie land while keeping it in private ownership, to pass on to future generations. Certain agricultural practices are included in some easements, such as livestock grazing, mowing for hay or harvesting of native seed. If your tract is covered by native prairie vegetation and has never been plowed, you are eligible for the Native Prairie Bank program. Funding for this program is limited.