1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to water; creating a task force on public drainage ditch buffers.
1.3 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.4 	Section 1. DITCH BUFFER TASK FORCE.
 1.5 	The Board of Water and Soil Resources shall convene a task force to address the 
1.6 	recommendations and findings identified in the February 2006, Public Drainage Ditch 
1.7 	Buffer Study, including but not limited to:
1.8 	(1) clarification of the point of beginning for measuring the required grass strip;
1.9 	(2) enhancing the ability of drainage authorities to establish and maintain grass strips;
1.10 	(3) developing methods and models for drainage records modernization;
1.11 	(4) developing a best management practices manual and training for public drainage 
1.12 	systems and authorities;
1.13 	(5) annual reporting by drainage authorities; and
1.14 	(6) identifying barriers and promoting incentives for buffer strip implementation 
1.15 	regarding federal, state, and local programs and requirements. 
1.16 	The recommendations must be done in consultation with farm groups, watershed 
1.17 	districts, soil and water conservation districts, counties, industry, and conservation 
1.18 	organizations, as well as federal agencies implementing voluntary buffer programs. State 
1.19 	agencies participating shall include the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota 
1.20 	Pollution Control Agency, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The board 
1.21 	shall report the results to the senate and house committees with jurisdiction over public 
1.22 	drainage systems by January 15, 2007.