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State brags 94 percent compliance rate for buffer regulations

ST. PAUL — Minnesota officials on Thursday declared a 94 percent compliance rate among landowners along public waters who face a Nov. 1 deadline to comply with a new buffer law.

Board of Water and Soil Resources Executive Director John Jaschke made the announcement during a press conference in St. Paul. He was joined by Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson and Department of Natural resources Assistant Commissioner Sarah Strommen and others to highlight the progress that has been made regarding the buffer implementation and provided reminders and resources for landowners to meet the buffer requirements.

“Thanks to the efforts of Minnesota landowners, we are well on our way to meeting the Nov. 1 deadline to have buffers on Minnesota public waters,” Jaschke said. “Minnesota’s buffer law is designed to be flexible while delivering improved water quality benefits for future generations. We have many great examples of landowners and SWCDs working together to find a solution that works for them and their land.”

After the press conference, Yellow Medicine County Commissioner Greg Renneke also reported a high compliance rate for the law.

“We’re running at 90 percent. From what I’ve heard, (it) sounds like it’s all going as planned,” he said.

Lyon County is at 75 percent compliance, according to its Planning and Zoning Administrator John Biren. He said that the county board can’t act upon the enforcement until the Planning Commission holds its public hearing on Oct. 10.

Biren anticipates bringing the Planning Commission’s recommendation to the Lyon County Board on Oct. 17.

“I haven’t been getting a lot of phone calls on this,” Biren said. “And the dates are dependent on who all shows up for the meeting.”

During the third and fourth weeks in October, Biren said, the commission will send out postcards to ask landowners to self-certify their buffer zones.

“At this time, there are 2,700 parcels in Lyon County (affected by this),” Biren said. “Seventy-five percent of those folks are in compliance based on aerial mapping.”

However, each landowner receiving a postcard will check, “Yes, I am in compliance” or “No, I need an extension.” If they respond that they are not in compliance, they have until July 1, 2018 to come into compliance, Biren said.

Frederickson said he was proud of Minnesota landowners and their acceptance of the new buffer law and their efforts to use the tools provided and/or offer their own solutions to the mix.

“There are 473 producers with approximately 272,270 acres enrolled in the buffer program,” Frederickson said. “We have hopes of achieving half a million acres. Of the 473 producers, there are 854 new practices (in use).”

He also said that an estimated 10,000 tons of sediment has already been dealt with and 23,0000 tons of soil held back, as well as a remarkable amount of phosphorous being kept where it belongs.

“We are a headwaters state,” Frederickson said. “With 94 percent compliance, landowners are stepping up to show they understand that. I’m also proud of the work the DNR has done. The department was extremely responsive to concerns and made the changes needed. Farmers asked for certainty, and we’re giving them that with the new tool.”

Strommen talked about the new updates to the buffer protection map the DNR has been making.

“Since May of 2016 through August, we have made 2,965 actual changes to the map, including the latest 212 updates,” Strommen said.

BWSR and the Department of Agriculture have created a number of resources for landowners to help with buffer implementation. Landowners have the option of complying with the law by using alternative practices that have equivalent water quality benefits to buffers. BWSR has put out guidance documents to support landowners identifying alternative practices for their lands. Additionally, landowners who request financial and technical assistance can request additional time to comply with their local Soil and Water Conservation District.

If unable to meet the deadline, a landowner who commits to a compliance plan with their local SWCD by Nov. 1, will receive a waiver until July 1 to implement their buffer or alternative practice.

There are also funds available to help landowners come into compliance. They could receive up to $300 per parcel in cost sharing, Jaschke said, to offset the costs of tillage and planting annual vegetation.

No commissioners from Lincoln County were available for comment by press time.

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