News Release: BWSR Board Committee Votes Down Additional APO Option
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources sent this bulletin at 04/12/2018 05:19 PM CDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April 12, 2018
Contact:Celi Haga, 651-315-5082
BWSR Board
Committee Votes Down Additional APO Option
St. Paul, MN - Today, the
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Buffers, Soils, and Drainage
Committee met in St. Paul to review public comments on a draft amendment to the
Administrative Penalty Order Plan (APO) for Buffer Implementation.Based on comments received via the public
notice, the Board Committee voted unanimously to reject the proposal.
The public
comment process was initiated to solicit input and explore an option for an
alternative choice for local compliance determinations. The Board committee recommendation
made today withdraws the published option from further consideration.No further action will be taken by BWSR on
the draft proposal.
“It is to the
credit of farmers and local governments that Minnesota is now at 98 percent
compliance for buffers on public waters and on track for compliance with public
ditches this November,” BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke said. “The board
committee decision today shows responsiveness to the public input we sought and
received, and we are grateful that Minnesotans shared their opinions.Our agency is committed to continuing our assistance
to farmers and local governments.”
Earlier this week, BWSR Executive Director Jaschke
sent a letter apologizing to Minnesota landowners and farmers for releasing a
draft proposal that was not in the spirit of the law and was created without
engagement with key stakeholders. [Read
the full letter here].
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BWSR is the state soil and
water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent sediment
and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and
wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of
representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. BWSR’s
mission is to improve and protect Minnesota's water and soil resources by
working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners.