Minnesota Ag Connection - Public Waters Buffer Maps Now Available

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Public Waters Buffer Maps Now Available
Minnesota Ag Connection - 07/21/2016

Minnesota's buffer law establishes new perennial vegetation buffers of up to 50 feet along rivers, streams and ditches that will help filter out phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment. The law provides flexibility and financial support for landowners to install and maintain buffers.

The DNR's role in Minnesota's buffer law is to produce and maintain a map of public waters and public ditch systems that require permanent vegetation buffers. The DNR released the Buffer Protection Map in July 2016. The map will help guide the implementation of Minnesota's buffer law by landowners with the help of the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), Drainage Authorities and other local governments.

How was the map made?

With the help of a wide range of professionals inside and outside the agency, the DNR combined existing public water inventory data, shoreland classification data and public ditch data to produce the map. The DNR used an extensive public and professional review process to produce the map.

How will the buffer protection map be used?

The map is now ready to be used for implementation. It helps landowners determine where buffers or alternative water quality practices are required and what buffer widths are required.

The map labels public ditches as requiring a 16.5-foot buffer (local ordinances may require wider buffers).

The map labels public waters as requiring a 50-foot average buffer (local ordinances may require wider buffers).

The map also labels a few sites as "needing field review." The DNR will organize on-site verification of these public water features and will change this temporary label within six months.

The DNR excluded some public water wetlands from the map.

Local SWCDs are working with landowners to create the right size buffer or select an alternative water quality practice. If the SWCDs, Drainage Authorities or other local governments identify errors in the map during landowner conversations, they will notify the DNR. The DNR will make corrections where appropriate and maintain an accurate map. The DNR will release updated maps in October and January.

The DNR wants to thank all the individuals and organizations that helped us produce the map, with special thanks to those landowners and organizations that are going beyond the minimum buffer requirement to protect one of our most important natural resources: water.

Additional resources public can use include the Board of Water and Soil Resources and its 2015 Buffer Legislation provides information on implementation of the buffer law, as well as Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

To suggest a correction to the preliminary buffer map, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District. SWCDs are able to work directly with landowners on these issues.

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