SWCD Buffer Implementation Program
Governor Mark Dayton’s new landmark buffer initiative was recently signed into law, designating an estimated 110,000 acres of land for water quality buffer strips statewide. The law establishes new perennial vegetation buffers of up to 50 feet along rivers, streams, and ditches that will help filter out phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment. The new law provides flexibility and financial support for landowners to install and maintain buffers, and boost compliance with buffer laws across Minnesota.
For more information, please go to the BWSR website: http://bwsr.state.mn.us/buffers/
http://nac.unl.edu/buffers/docs/conservation_buffers.pdf
For more information, please go to the BWSR website: http://bwsr.state.mn.us/buffers/
http://nac.unl.edu/buffers/docs/conservation_buffers.pdf
Buffer Law Cost-Share Assistance:
There is still Buffer Cost-Share available to individuals who sign up at the Red Lake County SWCD Office.
Red Lake County SWCD Buffer Monitoring Plan
103F.48 Riparian Protection and Water Quality Practices
1. COMPLIANCE TRACKING OF ALL PARCELS SUBJECT TO THE BUFFER LAW
All parcels in the county are to be reviewed within a 3 year timeframe. Red Lake SWCD will review all parcels once every 3 years
2. RANDOM SPOT CHECKS
Random spot checks will be done in addition to the tracking of all parcels within a 3 year span. These checks may be conducted via aerial photo review or onsite review depending on availability of updated aerial photos and the practice that is being checked/access to farms. A combination of both aerial and onsite review may also be used. The Red Lake SWCD will conduct 25-50 parcels on a random spot check each year outside of the scheduled area. Additionally, the SWCD will review parcels of emphasis more frequently. Parcels of emphasis may include:
• Previously non-compliant
• No-till/conservation tillage or cover crop alternative practice plans
• Variable width buffers
• Cost-share funded projects (years 1,3,9 of contract)
• Parcels of further emphasis (indications of potential violations)
3. PROCESS TO HANDLE COMPLAINTS
Public complaints regarding non-compliant parcels with the Buffer Law, received by Red Lake SWCD, will be addressed/investigated by all means available to SWCD technical staff, which may include aerial photo review, direct landowner contact, and on-site visit. The party initiating the complaint will be kept anonymous. In cases where the SWCD efforts to achieve parcel compliance by voluntary means prove exhausted, non-compliant parcel owners will be referred to Red Lake County for enforcement proceedings under provision MN §103B.101 and adopted Red Lake County Ordinances.
All parcels in the county are to be reviewed within a 3 year timeframe. Red Lake SWCD will review all parcels once every 3 years
2. RANDOM SPOT CHECKS
Random spot checks will be done in addition to the tracking of all parcels within a 3 year span. These checks may be conducted via aerial photo review or onsite review depending on availability of updated aerial photos and the practice that is being checked/access to farms. A combination of both aerial and onsite review may also be used. The Red Lake SWCD will conduct 25-50 parcels on a random spot check each year outside of the scheduled area. Additionally, the SWCD will review parcels of emphasis more frequently. Parcels of emphasis may include:
• Previously non-compliant
• No-till/conservation tillage or cover crop alternative practice plans
• Variable width buffers
• Cost-share funded projects (years 1,3,9 of contract)
• Parcels of further emphasis (indications of potential violations)
3. PROCESS TO HANDLE COMPLAINTS
Public complaints regarding non-compliant parcels with the Buffer Law, received by Red Lake SWCD, will be addressed/investigated by all means available to SWCD technical staff, which may include aerial photo review, direct landowner contact, and on-site visit. The party initiating the complaint will be kept anonymous. In cases where the SWCD efforts to achieve parcel compliance by voluntary means prove exhausted, non-compliant parcel owners will be referred to Red Lake County for enforcement proceedings under provision MN §103B.101 and adopted Red Lake County Ordinances.
Questions???
Below are some Factsheets that may help...
| alternative_practices_technical_guidance.pdf |
| compliance determinations.pdf |
| crp_exemptionguidance.pdf |
| grazing_and_haying.pdf |
Red Lake County Buffer Map
Buffer Law Program
In 2022, Red Lake County SWCD will receive $17,000.00 to implement the Buffer Law Program in Red Lake County along with a $10,000.00 Buffer Implementation Supplemental Grant.
2022 Buffer Law Detailed Report
| 2022_buffer_law_-_p22-6233_alldetailsreport_2022-12-15_12-38-27-pm.pdf |
| 2022_-_buffer_law_supplemental_-_p22-5851_alldetailsreport_2022-12-30_07-10-22-am.pdf |
2022 Buffer Law Financial Report
| 2022_buffer_law_financial_report.pdf |
2018 Buffer Cost-Share
| 2018_-_buffer_cost_share_.pdf |
Red Lake County Buffer Ordinance
| red_lake_county_buffer_ordinance_final.pdf |
| rlc_resolution_accepting_jurisdiction_of_buffer_law.pdf |
| rlc_resolution_other_watercourses.pdf |
