Governor Dayton proposes major initiative to protect shorelands

Stream buffers, like this one along Bear Creek in Story County Iowa, filter pollution from farm runoff and improve water quality, habitat, air quality, and climate while helping to prevent erosion and reduce the impacts of flooding.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

In a surprise announcement late last week Governor Dayton announced his intention to push for legislation this year requiring all of Minnesotas rivers and lakes to have a 50-foot buffer of natural vegetation. The Governor said that his proposal would create 125,000 acres of habitat. Dayton acknowledged that his proposal would face opposition from private landowners and other interests but he said The land may be yours but the water belongs to all of us.

Shoreland buffers of natural vegetation provide many environmental benefits. They help to stabilize streambanks and shorelines to prevent erosion. They filter the overland runoff of pollutants such as sediment and phosphorus into our waters and they provide critical habitat for many wildlife species including phesants, migratory songbirds and pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Minnesota law has long required a 50-foot buffer from all agricultural land adjoining lakes and rivers but the rule has not been evenly enforced. In a 2014 report the Environmental Working Group found that only 18% of perennial river and stream banks in agricultural areas in the Minnesota River basin were fully compliant with the law.

FMR applauds the Governor for his leadership on this very important issue. While many details of the Governors proposal have yet to be worked out, FMR staff will work closely with the Dayton administration and key legislators to work toward the adoption new and comprehensive shoreland buffer policy in Minnesota.

For more on the Governors proposal:

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