The State Buffer Law

The Buffer Law was signed into law by Governor Dayton in June 2015, and was amended by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton on April 25, 2016.  Below are the links to the Buffer Program websites. Please contact Jenna Wiersma if you need more assistance at 218-563-2777.

Now that the November 1, 2018 deadline has passed, we move to the next stage of compliance tracking. All buffer related parcels in the county  are to be reviewed within a 3-year time frame. East Polk SWCD will be  reviewing 1/3 of parcels each year.

Random spot checks will be done  in addition to the tracking of all parcels within the 3-year span. These  checks may be conducted via aerial photo review or on-site review  depending on the availability of updated aerial photos, the practice  that is being checked, and the access to farms. A combination of both  aerial photos and on-site review may also be used. There will be 25-50  parcels on a random spot check every year outside of the scheduled area.

Additionally, the SWCD will review parcels of emphasis more frequently. Examples of  those types of parcels include previously non-compliant, alternative  practices, and cost-share funded projects.

The East Polk SWCD can  assist you with an onsite determination to ascertain the need for a  buffer along the public water or public ditch on your property. We can  also assist with determining if the site qualifies for an approved  alternative practice, seeding, and staking. Our goal is to work with you  to bring you into compliance with the Buffer Law. The East Polk SWCD is  not in the role of enforcement; Polk County has elected jurisdiction of  enforcement.
If you have seeded your buffer or need an extension to  seed next spring and have not contacted the SWCD please contact Jenna Wiersma by email, wiersma.eastpolk@gmail.com,  or by phone, 218-563-2777. All parcels are updated individually and in  order to avoid any enforcement letters from Polk County, we need to hear from you.