MN Buffer Law: MN Statute 103F.48 Riparian Protection and Water Quality Practices
 

Compliance Tracking Plan: 

• WCD's are required by the Mn State Buffer Law to verify buffer compliance on a 3 year cycle.  

• Tracking of Compliance Plan Stearns SWCD (pdf)

Watershed District Coordination: 

• 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.

• SRWD Buffer Law MOA

• NFCRWD Buffer Law MOA

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Other Waters: 

• The SWCD in consultation with local water management authorities, has adopted a summary of watercourses for inclusion in the local water management plans

• SWCD Other Waters Resolution (06/13/2017) 

• Other Waters Map (pdf)

• Other Waters GIS Data
   

MN Buffer Law

• Requires SWCDs to make compliance determinations and track progress towards compliance

• Requires SWCDs to notify the organization with jurisdiction over the noncompliant site when it determines a landowner is not in compliance.

• Exempts certain land uses and areas from the buffer requirements

• Allows landowners to meet the buffer requirements through other conservation practices that will protect water quality

• Requires SWCDs to identify “other waters” for inclusion in local water plans

• Requires SWCDs to assist landowners in complying with the law

• Provides for enforcement by counties, watershed districts or the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
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Options for Compliance with the Buffer Law:

There are numerous options for landowners to stay in compliance with the buffer law:

• Voluntary planting of perennial vegetation for hay, pasture, wildlife habitat…

• Conservation set aside programs like Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve, CRP…

• Installing “Alternative Practices” that meet the requirements

• Meeting the requirements of and enrolling in the MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP)