Chippewa SWCD Monitoring Plan and Buffer Compliance Tracking

103F.48 Riparian Protection and Water Quality Practices

1.      Compliance Tracking of Parcels Subject to The Buffer Law

All Parcels in the county are on schedule to be reviewed within a 3-year timeframe.  The county is divided into three sections indicated by areas A, B, and C on Attachment A.  The SWCD will review one area each year so that each area will be reviewed one time in a three-year cycle. (See Attachment A.)

2.      Random Spot Checks

Random spot checks will be conducted in addition to the tracking of parcels on the three-year cycle.  These spot checks may be conducted via aerial photo review or on-site review depending on the availability of updated aerial imagery and accessibility to parcels.

a.       The SWCD will conduct 30 random parcel spot checks every year outside of the scheduled area.

b.       The SWCD will review parcels of emphasis more frequently, including:

·         Parcels previously or recently out of compliance

·         Alternative practices resulting in a shorter width buffer

·         Cost-share funded projects/buffers

3.      Non-Compliance Complaints

All complaints made regarding compliance with the Minnesota Buffer Law (Minn. Stat. 103.48) Should be directed to the Chippewa County SWCD office.  The SWCD will review the complaint and survey the site in question to determine whether the parcel is compliant.  If the parcel is compliant, a letter will be sent from the SWCD to the individual who made the complaint as to why the parcel is deemed compliant.  If the parcel is deemed to be out of compliance, the SWCD will notify the landowner about their buffer being out of compliance.  All notifications will be documented.  The SWCD will work with the landowner to bring the parcel into compliance.  If the landowner does not become compliant with the law within 90 days of the complaint being filed, the SWCD will turn over the landowner’s information to the County and BWSR to begin the Corrective Action Notice process.