Gov Dayton joins state Republicans in criticism of BWSR buffer fine proposal

Governor Dayton has joined state Republicans in criticizing buffer law penalties proposed by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). Under the proposal, farmers found out of compliance would be fined up to $500 per linear foot–which critics say could result in thousands of dollars in fines annually for farmers who are even a few feet out of compliance across their entire property. Governor Dayton, in a letter sent to the BWSR on Sunday, calls the proposed fines “unreasonable” and says they came as a shock to him. He’s urging the BWSR to reconsider. The buffer law proposal is currently up for public comment through April 16th.