Dear Neighbor,
Proposed regulatory changes regarding land surrounding bodies of water in Minnesota could mean significant consequences for property owners and I appreciated recent opportunities to discuss this issue with local groups.
Gov. Mark Dayton introduced a proposal to mandate a 50-foot buffer strip around waterways. Last weekend I met with Farm Bureau members from Scott and LeSueur counties, as well as with the Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District. One of my goals was to receive their feedback regarding concerns I have regarding this proposal.
One thought continues to cross my mind as I investigate this issue: It always seems better to make decisions closer to home instead of dictating through statewide policies that may or may not make sense in a particular back yard. Of course we need broad-based policy in some cases, but not always. Again, the best solutions seem to be identified close to home.
The buffer-zone discussion has seemed to shift in recent weeks from a means of protecting habitat which was headed by the DNR, to something more in the way of a locally enforced, but state mandated, method of additional regulations dealing with water issues. This apparent move toward further regulation brings a host of questions as well.
Overall I think most would agree that farmers are good stewards of their land. It behooves them to manage their soil well and protect local water because doing so provides them with a way to continue making a living. In addition there are private groups like the SWCD and Farm Bureau who provide valuable services by actively working with farmers to assess individual situations and assist in developing appropriate plans.
I look forward to continuing this discussion in the Legislature this session.
Other groups I recently met with to receive feedback include the Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative and the Dakota County Electric Association, along with the Metro Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD).
The MCCD is a nonprofit community development organization that works to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping to create successful business plans and methods to implement them. The group is involved throughout the metro area and I enjoyed the chance to discuss topics because after dealing with small business and farmers for over 40 years those are issues are of great interest to me. I have authored a bill (H.F. 1105) which encourages good business planning and helps with private investment in developing the economies of low-income areas of our area. Look for more on that bill as things develop at the Capitol.
I thank all the citizens of District 20A who continue providing me with their thoughts on the issues as the 2015 session advances. Please pass this message along to anyone you think may wish to sign up to receive my periodic updates by clicking here.
Sincerely,
Bob