2017 SWCS Annual Conference July 30-August 2, 2017 Monona Terrace Convention Center

1. Productive Buffers and
Educational Programs in MN
Gary Wyatt, Extension Educator

2. MN State Buffer Law: (2015)
• Minnesota's buffer law establishes new
perennial vegetation buffers
– 50 feet along lakes, rivers, and streams
– 16.5 feet along ditches
• The law provides flexibility for landowners to
install alternative practices with equivalent
water quality benefits that are based on the
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Field Office Technical Guide.

3. Traditional grass buffer with proper width:
http://bwsr.state.mn.us/buffers/

4. New Law Timelines:
• Public waters - buffers established by:
November 1, 2017 (50 feet)
• Public drainage systems - buffers established by:
November 1, 2018 (16.5 feet)

5. Buffer Symposium: (Sept. 2016)
Attendance: 110
- NRCS/SWCD staff
- Government Agency staff
- Ag Professionals
Comments:

6. http://bwsr.state.mn.us/buffers/
MN Board of Water and Soil Resources

7. Helpful web sites: DNR and BWSR
MN Department of Natural Resources

8. DNR Buffer Map Due July 2016
(80 Major Watersheds in MN)

9. DNR Map: (Green 16.5’ – Blue 50’)

10. Compliance:
• The Board of Water and Soil Resources
(BWSR) reports that statewide 89% of
parcels adjacent to Minnesota waters meet
preliminary compliance with the law.

11. Alternative Practice Options:

12. Buffers = Perennial Vegetation
• Law is flexible for plantings and use
• As long as perennial vegetation is active
• Native species are not required
• Native species are preferred for deep roots
• CRP may require specific mixes
• Non – Native vegetation is NOT
recommended (can be approved)

13. Buffer Law:
• Invasive species and state noxious weeds
cannot be planted on buffers.
• For non-state funded projects, landowners
can plant forage crops
• Only native species can be planted when
state funding is used for establishing buffers
to meet the law.

14. BWSR – Buffer Tool Box

15. Buffer Tool Box

16. Types of Planting Options:
• Pollinator Friendly
• Native Seed Production
• Elderberry
• Black Chokeberry or Aronia Berry
• Hazelnut
• Decorative Woody Florals
• Others…
• Renting Buffers

17. Pollinator Friendly:

18. Native Seed Production:

19. Perennial Vegetation = Shrubs
• Possible Agroforestry shrubs in Buffers:
– Black Chokeberry (Aronia)
– Elderberry
– Hazelnuts
– Bio-Energy Willows
– Decorative Willows

20. Elderberry
(Sambucus canadensis)
Height: 6 - 12 feet
Spread: 7 feet
Growth: moderate
USDA Zone: 3 - 5
Root Type: fibrous shallow

21. Black Chokeberry
(Aronia melanocarpa)
Height: 12 feet
Spread: 7 feet
Growth: moderate
USDA Zone: 2 - 5
Root Type: fibrous shallow

22. American Hazelnut
(Corylus americana)
Height: 6 – 12 feet
Spread: 6 – 12 feet
Growth: Medium
USDA Zone: 3 - 9
Root Type: Deep Fibrous

23. Serviceberry/Juneberry
(amelanchier… many)
Height: 15+ feet
Spread: 10+ feet
Growth: moderate
USDA Zone: 2-4a
Root Type: fibrous shallow
Many types - shrub to small trees

24. American Cranberry
(Viburnum trilobum)
Height: 8 – 12 feet
Spread: 8 – 12 feet
Growth: Medium
USDA Zone: 2 - 7
Root Type: Fibrous

25. Honeyberry
(Lonicera caerulea)
Height: 3 - 8 feet
Spread: 3 - 4 feet
Growth: moderate
USDA Zone: 3 - 8
Root Type: fibrous shallow

26. Unusual or Colorful Woody Stems
Dogwoods & Willows
Yellow Dogwood
Cardinal
DogwoodRedosier Dogwood
Flame
Willow

27. Unusually Shaped Woody Stems
Curly Willow
Scarlet Curls
Willow Fantail Willow

28. Decorative Buds
Pussy
Willow

29. Floral Arrangements

30. Establishment of shrubs:
(High level of Management)
• High management the year 1 to 3
• Weed control (weed mats)
• Watering during drought conditions
• Protect from wildlife (deer, rabbits, mice…)
• Watch herbicide spray drift

31. Renting Buffers:
• Rent to a Dairy/Beef farmer for hay
• Rent to a Farmers Market/Local Foods
person who plants perennial shrubs
producing edibles and decoratives

32. Discussion and Questions:
Gary Wyatt
wyatt@umn.edu