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Purpose of Buffer Procedures

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Board Adopted Buffer Procedures serve as the foundational framework for implementing the state’s Buffer Law. The Buffer Law requires landowners to establish and maintain perennial vegetation buffers along public waters and drainage ditches or to implement an approved alternative practice that provides water quality protection comparable to a buffer. The purpose of the law is to establish riparian buffers and water quality practices to:

1. protect state water resources from erosion and runoff pollution

2. stabilize soils, shores, and banks

3. protect or provide riparian corridors

While the law establishes a clear statewide mandate, a consistent and uniform approach was needed to ensure effective and ongoing implementation across Minnesota’s diverse landscapes and communities. To support this need, the BWSR Board adopted these Buffer Procedures to provide critical understanding of expectations and consistency. The procedures establish a set of standards for program implementation.

• Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) –to use when working with landowners. By defining specific methods for measuring buffer widths, verifying compliance, and documenting alternative conservation practices, the procedures help eliminate ambiguity and provide a clear roadmap for all parties involved.

• Counties and Watershed Districts – for counties and watershed districts that choose to assume enforcement authority, the procedures outline provisions for determining consistent and adequate implementation of the law. This ensures uniform compliance and enforcement across jurisdictions.

The procedures are arranged as a series of chapters that are specific to various aspects of implementation and the enforcement process. It’s important to note that while the procedures are organized into separate chapters, there is some overlap and connection between them. Individual procedures may not function independently and should be understood within the broader context provided by the entire set of procedures.

These procedures were adopted by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) pursuant to Minnesota Statute §103F.48 to determine compliance.

Buffer Program Procedures can be found here 

These pages are intended to guide local units of government (LGUs) to follow the buffer law process as required by state statute §103F.48 while utilizing best practices that have been developed and implemented at the local level by SWCDs, counties and watershed districts. 

Download the Buffer Compliance Process Flowchart (Archived)