December 12, 2016

 

Contact: Celi Haga

651-215-9008

 

St. Paul, Minn. - The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is charged with overseeing program implementation of the buffer law. The agency is currently seeking public comment on key components of its Buffer program.

The Requests for Comment and supporting documents are available on the BWSR Buffer Program website: http://bwsr.state.mn.us/buffers/.  BWSR is looking for feedback on the following policies and model rules.

  • Initial Election of Jurisdiction Policy
  • Enforcement Procedures and Administrative Penalty Order Plan
  • Model county ordinance as an option for counties electing to exercise jurisdiction.
  • Model watershed district rule as an option for districts electing to exercise jurisdiction.

 

Comments from stakeholders are a key part of the process, and will be considered during policy development.  Anticipated action on these policies is expected at the January 2017 BWSR Board meeting.

Information and comments on the policies and model rules will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on January 9, 2017. Comments may be submitted via email to buffers.bwsr@state.mn.us or via U.S. mail to David Weirens, Asst. Director for Programs and Policy, BWSR, 520 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.

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BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. BWSR's mission is to improve and protect Minnesota's water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners