Blue Earth County Buffers

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$136,842
Fund Source
Clean Water Fund
Recipient
Blue Earth County
Recipient Type
Local/Regional Government
Status
Completed
Start Date
January 2011
End Date
December 2013
Activity Type
Assessment/Evaluation
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Restoration/Enhancement
Technical Assistance
Counties Affected
Blue Earth
Blue Earth
Project Overview

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.

Competitive Grant Making Body
Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Conflict of Interest Contact

Nicole Clapp

Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2009, Chapter 172, Article 2, Section 6 (b); Laws of Minnesota 2009, Chapter 172, Article 2, Section 6 (i)
Appropriation Language

(i) $1,250,000 the first year and $1,500,000 the second year are for targeted nonpoint restoration technical assistance and engineering. At least 93 percent of this amount must be made available for grants. (2011 - Restoration Technical Assistance)

2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$136,842
Other Funds Leveraged
$53,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

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.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Number of Landowners County Notified: 336 (97%)
Number of Landowners who contacted the SWCD: 227
-75 owners are in compliance - 58 at their own expense
-89 parcels -30 acres - 23 acres at their own expense
-53 owners are pending /interested in program 72 acres - 70 parcels
-90 owners stated they were unsure
-109 property owners did not respond

Project Manager
First Name
Julie
Last Name
Conrad
Organization Name
Blue Earth County
State
MN
Phone
(507) 304-4381
Email
julie.conrad@co.blue-earth.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651- 296-3767