Blue Earth County Buffers

Vegetated buffer and filter strips along waterways is a practice that addresses many surface water concerns. Establishing permanent vegetation along waterways is an implementation priority in the Blue Earth County Water Management Plan and required by local ordinance and Minnesota Rules. Minnesota Shoreland Rules, Chapter 6120 and the County Shoreland Ordinance contain standards for agricultural uses in shoreland. Agricultural uses are permitted in shoreland areas if steep slopes and shore and bluff impact zones are maintained in permanent vegetation. These rules will be the basis for the project, and it will be the most targeted conservation effort ever implemented at the local level in Blue Earth County. The County will identify areas lacking permanent vegetation along all protected waters in accordance with local shoreland rules and will notify affected landowners. Through a working partnership with the County and the Blue Earth County SWCD, the SWCD will provide technical assistance to landowners. The SWCD will contact and meet with landowners to provide assistance, explaining the nature of the problem and recommending solutions and available cost share programs. Clean Water Funds will be used to provide restoration technical assistance to landowners.