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Guide to the Buffer Compliance Process

Step 1: SWCD Compliance Review

Step 2: Landowner Notification

Step 3: Notice of Non-Compliance

Step 4: Corrective Action Notice Sent

Step 5: Issuing Enforcement Action

Step 6: Parcel is Compliant

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Procedures

Procedure 1: Compliance Determinations (Parcel and Bank Approach)

Procedure 2: Reporting and Progress Tracking

Procedure 3: MS4 Exemption

Procedure 4: Alternative Practices

Procedure 5: Other Alternative Practices Approved by the Board

Procedure 6: Local Water Resources Riparian Protection ("Other Watercourses")

Procedure 7: Failure to Implement

Procedure 8: Election of Jurisdiction

Procedure 9: BWSR's Review of County and Watershed District Buffer Rules, Ordinances and Official Controls

Alternative Practices

Alternative Practices Introduction

Common Alternative Practice #1: Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program

Common Alternative Practice #2: NRCS Filter Strip Standard: MN 393/391 Practice Standards - Public Waters

Common Alternative Practice #3: Grassed Waterway/Cultivated Watercourses - Public Waters

Common Alternative Practice #4A: Negative Slopes or Concentrated Inflow - Public Ditches

Common Alternative Practice #4B: Glacial Lake Plain Areas - Public Ditches

Common Alternative Practice #5: Negative Slopes or Concentrated Inflow - Public Waters

Common Alternative Practice #6: Conservation Tillage/Cover Crops With Vegetated Filter Strip - Public Waters

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First-generation dairy farmer

Read more about First-generation dairy farmer

Conservation planner certification benefits SWCDs, landowners

Read more about Conservation planner certification benefits SWCDs, landowners

Soil health: From Field to Farm

Read more about Soil health: From Field to Farm

Grants propel Grass Lake restoration

Read more about Grants propel Grass Lake restoration

Taking conservation to the trees

Read more about Taking conservation to the trees

NRCS prescribed burns revive habitat

Read more about NRCS prescribed burns revive habitat

Kittson County livestock producers find success with NRCS grazing plans

Read more about Kittson County livestock producers find success with NRCS grazing plans

Building a productive pasture

Read more about Building a productive pasture

Trainings tailored to conservation

Read more about Trainings tailored to conservation

Carver County habitat restored

Read more about Carver County habitat restored

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BWSR's work is supported by Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment Funding

BWSR agency programs that assist landowners and local government have resulted in less sediment and nutrients entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; more fish and wildlife habitat; and the drastic slowing of wetland losses.

The Board of Water and Soil Resources is an equal opportunity employer.

Main Address:
520 Lafayette Road North
St Paul, MN. 55155
(651) 296 - 3767

TTY: (800) 627-3529
info.BWSR@state.mn.us

BWSR Office Locations