Contact: Celi Haga

651-215-9008 (Office)

 

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 seeking public comment on key policies that will be used for implementation of the program on public waters and public drainage systems.

The preliminary policies are available for review on the BWSR Buffer Program website: http://bwsr.state.mn.us/buffers/. 

 

BWSR is looking for feedback on topics related to:

  • Compliance determinations
  • Reporting and progress tracking
  • Municipal storm sewer systems
  • Alternative Practices Implementation
  • "Other Watercourses” Protection
  • Failure to Implement

Comments from stakeholders and the public are an important part of the process, and will be considered as these policies are finalized.  The BWSR Board will decide on final policies at its August 2016 Board meeting.   

Information and comments on these preliminary buffer policies will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on July 27, 2016. 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