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Q: Where are buffers required? <br />• Buffers will be required on public waters and public drainage systems. The DNR will establish <br />and maintain a map of each county that shows the waters that are subject to the buffer <br />requirements. Additionally, other waters may be subject to local requirements established by <br />SWCDs. <br />Q: How will the new law be implemented, and enforced? <br />• Local Implementation — SWCDs will implement the buffer requirement, including planning, <br />technical assistance to landowners, approval of alternative practices, and tracking and <br />reporting progress. <br />• Help with Compliance — If a landowner is out of compliance with the requirement, the county <br />or watershed district will provide a correction letter and work with the landowner on a <br />reasonable timetable for completion. <br />• Penalties for Noncompliance — Counties and watershed districts, with assistance from the <br />Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), may issue an order requiring <br />violations be corrected and administratively assess monetary penalties for violations. <br />• State Level Enforcement — The state may withhold funds from a local government for failure <br />to implement buffer requirements. <br />• Additional Enforcement Authority — If the local government chooses not to take action, <br />BWSR can use its Administrative Penalty Order authority and issue a penalty and fine. <br />Q: When will this take effect? <br />• July 2017 — Local water resources riparian protection requirements will be developed by July <br />1, 2017 <br />• November 2017 — Buffers on public waters will be in place by November 1, 2017 <br />• November 2018 — Buffers on public drainage systems will be in place by November 1, 2018 <br />Q: How will this be paid for? <br />• Funds for Landowners — Landowners can use federal Farm Bill resources, such as CRP, to <br />get buffers installed. Other state program conservation dollars, such as Reinvest in Minnesota <br />(RIM) easements are also available. Landowners may also be eligible to be reimbursed by the <br />drainage authority. <br />• Additional Federal Funds — Governor Dayton is committed to working with the federal <br />government to provide funds through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program <br />(CREP). This allows landowners to take their land out of production in exchange for payments. <br />He has proposed $20 million in bonding to match the $18 million appropriated through the <br />2016-17 Legacy Amendment bill. <br />