Buffer Program Update
Official Notice: Proposed Revisions to Buffer Program Procedures
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is seeking public comments on proposed revisions to its Buffer Program Procedures.
The current procedures were adopted in 2017, to support the implementation of the Riparian Protection and Water Quality Practices Statute (Minn. Stat. § 103F.48), commonly referred to as the Buffer Law. These procedures establish a consistent framework for implementation by soil and water conservation districts, as well as counties and watershed districts that have assumed jurisdiction.
Following legislative amendments to the statute in 2024, BWSR has revised the procedures to ensure alignment with current law. Concurrently, BWSR has incorporated updates and refinements informed by program implementation experience. The revised procedures have been reorganized into a series of renumbered chapters and updated for clarity and improved cross-referencing.
Two new procedures have been added as part of this revision:
Procedure No. 8: Implementation of Jurisdictional Responsibilities
Procedure No. 10: Revoking Jurisdiction of a County or Watershed District
BWSR welcomes comments on the entirety of the revised Buffer Program Procedures. The public is encouraged to review and provide feedback on all of the procedures, as updates and clarifications have been made throughout the entire document.
Public Comment Period:
The public comment period will begin on October 27, 2025 and will close at 4:30 PM on December 10, 2025. All comments received during this period will be reviewed and considered for potential revisions.
Comments may be submitted to BWSR by the two methods below:
- Online at Procedures.BWSR@state.mn.us
- U.S. Mail to the following address:
Board of Water and Soil Resources
c/o Travis Germundson
520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155
The proposed revisions to the Buffer Program procedures can be found here (pdf).
