(507) 825-1185

Pipestone SWCD

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Pipestone SWCD

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    • Home
    • SWCD Board
    • Programs
      • Planning & Zoning
      • Recycling & Solid Waste
      • Feedlot
      • Septic Systems
      • Noxious Weeds
      • Tree Program
      • Drill Rental Program
      • More Programs
    • Other
      • Annual Reports
      • Employment
      • Newsletter
    • Contact Us

(507) 825-1185


  • Home
  • SWCD Board
  • Programs
    • Planning & Zoning
    • Recycling & Solid Waste
    • Feedlot
    • Septic Systems
    • Noxious Weeds
    • Tree Program
    • Drill Rental Program
    • More Programs
  • Other
    • Annual Reports
    • Employment
    • Newsletter
  • Contact Us
A comparison picture of an insufficient buffer versus an sufficient buffer.
Does this apply to my land?

Buffers

In 2016, the Pipestone SWCD sent letters to landowners notifying them if they would be effected by the buffer law. A second letter and map was sent to those who were identified with areas of land that were in need of a buffer. 

Buffer Map

Buffer Information

Minnesota Buffer Law

Where are Buffers needed?

Alternative Practices

Minnesota's buffer law establishes new perennial vegetation buffers of up to 50 feet along lakes, rivers, and streams and buffers of 16.5 feet long ditches. These buffers will help filter out phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment. The deadline for implementation for buffers on public waters was November 1, 2017. The deadline for public ditches was November  1, 2018. The law provides flexibility for landowners to install alternative practices with equivalent water quality benefits that are based on the Natural Resource Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide. 

Buffer Law as Amended in 2017

Alternative Practices

Where are Buffers needed?

Alternative Practices

Conservation buffers are best described as strips or other areas of land in permanent vegetation that help control pollutants and manage other environmental concerns. Filter strips, riparian buffers (predominantly trees and shrubs next to water courses), field boarders, grassed waterways, field windbreaks, and contour grass strips are all examples of conservation buffers. 


Alternative Practices

Where are Buffers needed?

Where are Buffers needed?

Where can farmers find assistance?

Buffers are needed:

  • Along streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands
  • Next to roads and driveways
  • Along parking lots
  • Along and in agricultural fields
  • Around residential and commercial property
  • Any other area that can serve to filter runoff and pollutants before they reach a water body

Implementation Guidance

Where can farmers find assistance?

Pipestone SWCD Monitoring and Compliance Plan

Where can farmers find assistance?

Farmers may find information related to installing and funding buffer strips by contacting our office. Nicole from the Soil and Water Conservation District is here to assist landowners and operators! If you find yourself needing answers to your questions please give Nicole a call or stop by our office. 


Information about funding through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website: www.nrcs.usda.gov. 


For more information on drainage ditch buffers, see the Board of Water and Soil Resources website.




Get Support

How do Buffers help?

Pipestone SWCD Monitoring and Compliance Plan

Pipestone SWCD Monitoring and Compliance Plan

Buffers help by:

  • Slow water runoff
  • Trap sediment and dust
  • Trap fertilizers and pesticides
  • Protect wildlife and livestock from harsh weather
  • Reduce winds, noise and odors
  • Provide food, nesting cover and shelter for many wildlife species
  • Increase privacy and beautify the countryside 

Pipestone SWCD Monitoring and Compliance Plan

Pipestone SWCD Monitoring and Compliance Plan

Pipestone SWCD Monitoring and Compliance Plan

To ensure riparian protections continue to exist, compliance tracking of all parcels in Pipestone County subject to the Buffer Law will be monitored at least once every three years starting November 2, 2018 and upon release of new, update, aerial imagery. Means of compliance tracking may include, but is not limited to: use of available imagery sources, field visits, etc...


DNR Buffer Map Update!

Click on the link above to learn more about where the DNR is at with creating the Official State Buffer Map. 


At any point in time, the SWCD may complete compliance spot checks at random and for any reason, conduct field review, handle complaints whenever necessary, and issue a validation of compliance if requested. 


Compliance Tracking Tool (BuffCAT)

Guide to the Buffer Compliance Process

Pipestone SWCD

119 2nd Ave. S.W. Ste. 13 Pipestone, MN 56164 US

(507) 825-1185

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