Buffer Compliance Monitoring

Aitkin SWCD MONITORING PLAN FOR BUFFER COMPLIANCE TRACKING

  • 103F.48 RIPARIAN PROTECTION AND WATER QUALITY PRACTICES
  1. COMPLIANCE TRACKING OF ALL PARCELS SUBJECT TO THE BUFFER LAW

The SWCD will review all parcels at least once every 3 years for compliance with the buffer law.

  1. RANDOM SPOT CHECKS

Random spot checks will be done in addition to the tracking of all parcels within a 3 year span. These checks may be conducted via aerial photo review or on-site review depending on availability of updated aerial photos and the practice that is being checked/access to farms. A combination of both aerial and on-site review may also be used.

The SWCD will conduct approximately 10% to 15% random spot checks each year.

  • The SWCD may review parcels of emphasis more frequently, for example:
  • Previously non-compliant parcels
  • No-till/Conservation tillage or cover crop alternative practice plans
  • Variable width buffers
  • Cost-share funded projects (years 1,3,9 of contract)
  • Parcels of further emphasis
  • Alternative practices
  1. PROCESS TO HANDLE COMPLIANTS

The SWCD will follow this process for complaints received from the public:

  1. Upon received complaint, SWCD will verify if parcel is on DNR buffer map and reference any existing documentation.
  2. Compliance determination will be evaluated via GIS map and/or site visit with landowner.
  3. If parcel is found out of compliance, SWCD may work with the landowner to come into compliance.
  4. SWCD may provide landowner with technical/financial assistance.
  5. If landowner does not come into compliance by the timeline provided by the SWCD, a Notification of Noncompliance will be sent to the county and/or BWSR.
  6. Upon completion, the SWCD may issue a validation of compliance if requested by landowner.

Aitkin SWCD MONITORING PLAN FOR BUFFER COMPLIANCE TRACKING

  • 103F.48 RIPARIAN PROTECTION AND WATER QUALITY PRACTICES
  1. COMPLIANCE TRACKING OF ALL PARCELS SUBJECT TO THE BUFFER LAW

The SWCD will review all parcels at least once every 3 years for compliance with the buffer law.

  1. RANDOM SPOT CHECKS

Random spot checks will be done in addition to the tracking of all parcels within a 3 year span. These checks may be conducted via aerial photo review or on-site review depending on availability of updated aerial photos and the practice that is being checked/access to farms. A combination of both aerial and on-site review may also be used.

The SWCD will conduct approximately 10% to 15% random spot checks each year.

  • The SWCD may review parcels of emphasis more frequently, for example:
  • Previously non-compliant parcels
  • No-till/Conservation tillage or cover crop alternative practice plans
  • Variable width buffers
  • Cost-share funded projects (years 1,3,9 of contract)
  • Parcels of further emphasis
  • Alternative practices
  1. PROCESS TO HANDLE COMPLIANTS

The SWCD will follow this process for complaints received from the public:

  1. Upon received complaint, SWCD will verify if parcel is on DNR buffer map and reference any existing documentation.
  2. Compliance determination will be evaluated via GIS map and/or site visit with landowner.
  3. If parcel is found out of compliance, SWCD may work with the landowner to come into compliance.
  4. SWCD may provide landowner with technical/financial assistance.
  5. If landowner does not come into compliance by the timeline provided by the SWCD, a Notification of Noncompliance will be sent to the county and/or BWSR.
  6. Upon completion, the SWCD may issue a validation of compliance if requested by landowner.

For more information, please contact: Aitkin County SWCD