2019 - Buffer Law (Ramsey County)
Annie Felix-Gerth
Buffer Law 2019 - [Buffer Law 2019] $3,875,000 the first year and $5,875,000 the second year are to restore or preserve permanent conservation on riparian buffers adjacent to lakes, rivers, streams, and tributaries, to keep water on the land in order to decrease sediment, pollutant, and nutrient transport; reduce hydrologic impacts to surface waters; and increase infiltration for groundwater recharge. This appropriation may be used for restoration of riparian buffers permanently protected by easements purchased with this appropriation or contracts to achieve permanent protection for riparian buffers or stream bank restorations when the riparian buffers have been restored. Up to $1,920,000 is for deposit in a monitoring and enforcement account.
This grant will provide funding and assistance for buffer law implementation including compliance mapping and map review, landowner outreach, landowner technical and financial assistance, equipment purchases, and other buffer law implementation activities. Funds for .03 FTEs have been proposed within the work plan.
SWCD staff reviewed Buffer Law materials and past assessments, updated and reviewed compliance tracking in BuffCAT. Given the rate of buffers in compliance with the law, not all grants funds were needed. Grant funds remaining after completion of buffer law work were returned.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS