ST. PAUL - Farmers who thought their buffer problems were over now have new issues to worry about thanks to a recent action from Governor Dayton’s administration.
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources introduced a proposed Administrative Penalty Order last week that would fine farmers out of compliance with Minnesota's riparian buffer law by up to $500 per linear foot.
That could lead to costs in the tens of thousands of dollars, which State Representative Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) says is ridiculous.
“This shows an unwillingness to compromise on this issue while taking an extreme stance,” Schomacker said. “It’s not a move in the right direction.”
Schomacker said BWSR is giving farmers a two week comment period to make their voices heard, which lasts until 4:30PM on April 16, 2018. Comments should 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