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BUFFER LAW

LAKE OF THE WOODS SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

MINNESOTA STATUTE 103F.48

Erosion

In 2015 Governor Dayton signed in the Buffer Law (Minnesota Statute 103F.48) that requires Public Waters (streams, wetlands) and Public Ditches (county, watershed, some minor tributaries and creeks) to have permanent vegetated buffers to improve water quality in Minnesota. Runoff may affect both surface and ground waters. Landowners are ultimately responsible for buffer installation and any required maintenance thereafter.

Minnesota’s Buffer Law requires perennial vegetative buffers of up to 50 feet along lakes, rivers, and streams and buffers of 16.5 feet along ditches. These buffers help filter out phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment.

 The Buffer Law has now moved into the enforcement stage. Any parcels without the required buffer will be issued a Correction Action Notice by Lake of the Woods County. The SWCD annually monitors parcels within the county for compliance.

MONITOR PLAN FOR COMPLIANCE TRACKING

Lake of the Woods SWCD will be reviewing 1/3 of the parcels adjacent to Public Waters and Public Ditches each year. Random spot check will also be done on parcels outside of the scheduled area each year.

REVIEW COMPLIANCE PLAN

Further information on vegetation requirements, mowing, alternative practices and more can be found on the Board of Water and Soil Resource buffer page:   Minnesota State Buffer Law.