2018 - Buffer Law (Blue Earth County SWCD)
Governor Mark Dayton's landmark buffer initiative was signed into law in 2015. 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. For grants to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to ensure compliance with riparian buffer or alternate practice requirements for state required buffers and soil erosion law.
Marcey Westrick
[Buffer Law 2018] $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.
These funds allow Soil and Water Conservation Districts to ensure compliance with riparian buffer or alternate practice requirements for state required buffers and soil erosion law.
Funds used for implementation of Buffer Law within the county.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS