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Buffer Law
Improve Your Soil Health
For the most current information please see the State Buffer Law website for information of the buffer law. This site will provide the most current information of the law.
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/minnesota-buffer-law
Stearns Conservation District Buffer Contact
Jake Cleys - 320-293-1619
Check your property online for Public Waters or Public Ditches here:
Requirements of the Buffer Law
Public Waters
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Require a 50-foot average width, 30-foot minimum width, continuous buffer of perennially rooted vegetation or an approved alternative practice plan with the SWCD Office.
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Buffers are measured from the top or crown of the bank. Where there is no defined bank, measurement must be from the edge of the normal water level.
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MN Buffers Law for Public Waters started on November 1, 2017
Public Drainage Systems
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Requires a minimum of 16.5 feet of buffer
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Buffers are measured from the top or crown of the bank.
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MN Buffers Law for Public Ditches started on November 1, 2018
Additional Buffer Law Information
MN Buffer Law: MN Statute 103F.48 Riparian Protection and Water Quality Practices
Compliance Tracking Plan:
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WCD's are required by the Mn State Buffer Law to verify buffer compliance on a 3 year cycle.
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Tracking of Compliance Plan Stearns SWCD (pdf) (Updated: 08/2026)
Watershed District Coordination:
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The North Fork Crow River Watershed District and Sauk River Watershed District enforce the MN Buffer Law on their Public Ditches in coordination with the SWCD.
Other Waters:
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The SWCD in consultation with local water management authorities, has adopted a summary of watercourses for inclusion in the local water management plans
MN Buffer Law
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Requires SWCDs to make compliance determinations and track progress towards compliance
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Requires SWCDs to notify the organization with jurisdiction over the noncompliant site when it determines a landowner is not in compliance.
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Exempts certain land uses and areas from the buffer requirements
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Allows landowners to meet the buffer requirements through other conservation practices that will protect water quality
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Requires SWCDs to identify “other waters” for inclusion in local water plans
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Requires SWCDs to assist landowners in complying with the law
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Provides for enforcement by counties, watershed districts or the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
Options for Compliance with the Buffer Law:
There are numerous options for landowners to stay in compliance with the buffer law:
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Voluntary planting of perennial vegetation for hay, pasture, wildlife habitat…
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Conservation set aside programs like Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve, CRP…
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Installing “Alternative Practices” that meet the requirements
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Meeting the requirements of and enrolling in the MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP)
