Statutes are the permanent laws of the state, incorporating new laws, amendments, or repeals of old law. They originate as bills passed by the legislature that are signed into law by the governor. Administrative Rules are adopted by an agency to make the law it administers more specific or to govern the agency's organization or procedure. Rulemaking authority must first be granted by the legislature. Rules have the effect of law.
The latest version of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) rules is from August 3, 2009 - 2009 WCA Rule (pdf). There have been changes to the statutes (which are the basis of the WCA rules) in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2024. Some of these changes were effective immediately, others require BWSR to modify the WCA rule in order for them to take effect (see Rulemaking page for more information). The following documents summarize and explain relevant WCA statute changes that have occurred since adoption of the 2009 WCA rule.
2024 WCA Statute Changes (pdf) New
A recorded video overview of the 2024 statute changes will be posted here on or before July 12 along with a solicitation for questions. An online training session will then be held on July 22 to address submitted questions and provide more detailed information regarding implementation of the new statutes. More information about these sessions will be posted on our website soon.
2017 WCA Statute Change Related to Wetland Replacement and Presettlement Areas (pdf)
2015 WCA Statute Changes (pdf)
2012 WCA Statute Changes (pdf)
2011 WCA Statute Changes (pdf)