ST. PAUL – Farmers and rural landowners who were concerned that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was overstepping its bounds by mapping private ditches as part of Minnesota's new buffer law can rest easier according to State Representative Jason Rarick (R-Pine City).
On January 28, Minnesota House leadership met with Governor Dayton and shared their concerns that the DNR had misinterpreted the law, and following the meeting Dayton instructed the agency to stop mapping private ditches.
"Both Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate were troubled that the DNR appeared to disregard the legislative intent of this law," Rarick said. "I'm pleased we were able to convince the governor to stop this overreach."
Under an agreement reached by the House, Senate, and Governor Dayton last year, by November of 2018 buffers of 16.5 feet must be installed on all public ditches.
But several months ago lawmakers learned that the DNR had begun mapping private ditches, which greatly exceeded the scope and intent of the compromise according to Rarick.
"This action means there will be no more buffer confusion as everyone is now on the same page in regards to requirements on public and private ditches," Rarick said.