HF 3418

1st Engrossment - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to water; creating a task force on public drainage ditch buffers.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

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