Minnesota Buffer Law

Overview

In June of 2015, Governor Dayton signed into law a new buffer initiative with the main focus aimed at enhancing the protection of Minnesota's waters. The new buffer initiative will help aid in the protection of the state's water resources from erosion and pollution runoff by establishing an estimated 110,000 acres of buffer along public waterways and public ditches.

The Minnesota Statute 103F.48 - Buffer Low still has some landowners/operators bringing up questions or seeking technical assistance. Any and all questions for our county, please contact our office to set up a meeting and discuss all available options to determine what steps we will take together to develop a specific buffer compliance plan for any affected parcels. Communication is still important while working together towards meeting compliance and providing any technical or financial assistance. We are looking forward to working with everyone and putting conservation on the ground. If you believe your parcel(s) is compliance with the buffer law, a request for a "Validation of Compliance (PDF)" can be made at our office.

Addition Information

Additional information regarding the Buffer Law: Minnesota DNR Buffer Map - Watonwan County Buffer Map (PDF)

For more information about the Buffer Law regarding policies, guidance documents or other information, please visit the BWSR website.

For more information on the DNR mapping process.

Watonwan County Land Management / SWCD has available to rent a Great Plains 1006NT Seed Drill. For more information on renting this seed drill, contact the office at 507-375-1225.