St. Paul, MN—The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) introduced a proposed Administrative Penalty Order (APO) last week that would fine farmers out of compliance with Minnesota's riparian buffer law by up to $500 per linear foot, which could result in thousands of dollars in fines annually for farmers who are even a few feet out of compliance across their entire property.
“Once again, the Dayton Administration is showing it’s no friend to farmers, choosing to push forward with excessive and overreaching one-size-fits-all policies, instead of partnering with our agriculture community,” said Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau. “There is a short public comment period on these proposed penalties, and I would highly encourage folks to let BWSR and the Dayton Administration know this proposal is overkill and simply unacceptable. We all have to stand together and push back against Governor Dayton’s war on agriculture.”
“For Northwest Minnesota, agriculture is a staple of our communities and economy, and these onerous penalties being advanced by the Dayton Administration will be harmful to our farmers and landowners,” said Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston. “It is critical that you make your voice heard on this important matter. We all share the goal of clean waters and protecting our environment, but once again state agencies are going too far, doing far more harm than good.”
The public comment period lasts until 4:30 PM on Monday, April 16, 2018, and comments can be submitted by email to buffers.bwsr@state.mn.us, or by U.S. Mail at the following address:
Tom Gile
Buffers and Soil Loss Operations Supervisor
Board of Soil and Water Resources
3555 9th Street NW, Suite 350
Rochester, MN 55901