Monitoring Plan for Buffer Compliance Tracking

§103F.48 RIPARIAN PROTECTION AND WATER QUALITY PRACTICE

Compliance tracking of parcels subject to the Buffer Law:

All parcels subject to the Buffer Law in Beltrami County will be reviewed by Beltrami County SWCD staff once every 3 years. Review of the parcels will be conducted using the most up-to-date aerial imagery available to staff.

Random Spot Checks:

Beltrami County SWCD will conduct random spot checks on 25 parcels each year in addition to the tracking of all parcels within a 3-year span. These checks may be conducted via aerial photo review, on-site review, or a combination thereof. Parcels that will be reviewed more frequently include those that have alternative conservation practices and those that have previously been out of compliance.

Documentation and Complaints:

The compliance status of each parcel is documented in the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)’s map database. Non-compliant parcels, if present, are further documented at the office of the Beltrami County Soil and Water Conservation Division, with notification of non-compliance to the appropriate parties. Public complaints regarding potential breaches of the Buffer Law can be made anonymously to the Beltrami County SWCD and will be investigated in a timely manner.

What is a Buffer?

A buffer, also known as a riparian filter strip, is vegetated land adjacent to a stream, river, lake or wetland. Buffers help filter out phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment, and are an important conservation practice for helping keep water clean. Studies by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency show that buffers are critical to protecting and restoring water quality and healthy aquatic life, natural stream functions and aquatic habitat due to their immediate proximity to the water.