Conservationist seeks buffer between farmland and Zumbro River

The Star Tribune's recent article on community efforts to enforce Minnesota's Shoreland protection rules quickly became required reading for many in the water quality community. While Minnesota has had an agricultural shoreland ordinance in place for more than 20 years, it remains poorly enforced throughout many agricultural areas. Recent state estimates suggest 300,000 acres or more are illegally farmed every year in Minnesota, with dramatic consequences for the health of the Mississippi River. Studies have shown that by simply complying with existing law, agricultural lands with stream buffers could reduce pesticide and fertilizer pollution by 50%, and sediment pollution by 75%.