Minnesota Buffers for Wildlife and Water Phase 2

BWSR with Pheasants Forever

Quick Facts

Recipient: 
BWSR with Pheasants Forever
Source: 
Outdoor Heritage Fund
Recipient Type: 
State Government
Status: 
In Progress
Activity Type: 
Land Acquisition
Counties Affected 
Statewide

This program bridges the resource benefits of the Clean Water Fund and Outdoor Heritage Fund resulting in the protection of 400ac. of enhanced wildlife buffers on private land.

This partnership program establishes permanent buffers that provide critical water quality improvements and improved nesting habitat. A buffer of 100’ generally serves to protect water quality, while the addition of another 100’ for wildlife greatly enhances nesting opportunities for wildlife. Establishing 200’ on each side of a stream for a total of 400’ in addition to a natural riparian corridor creates block habitat for nesting birds and a critical link between permanently protected habitats. This combination will create a higher functioning habitat while offering enhanced flexibility to private landowners to enroll buffers within their existing farm operations. Clean water fund has provided BWSR $6m for clean water buffer easements which will be used to match available LSOHC wildlife buffers 1:1.

Project Details

Accomplishment Plan

Status: 
In Progress
Start Date: 
July 2012
End Date: 
June 2014

Project Details by Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year(s): 
2013
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 2(a)
Appropriation Language 

$2,090,000 in the second year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources in cooperation with Pheasants Forever to acquire permanent conservation easements to enhance habitat by expanding clean water fund riparian wildlife buffers on private land. A list of proposed permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the final report. The accomplishment plan must include an easement stewardship plan. Up to $90,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund and a description of annual monitoring and enforcement activities.

Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$2,090,000
Other Funds Leveraged: 
$2,090,000
Direct expenses: 
$2,090,000
Administration costs: 
$0
Number of full time equivalents funded: 
.88
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s) 

Protect in easement 400 acres of prairie

Source of Additional Funds: 

Clean Water Fund

Project Manager

Tabor
Hoek
BWSR
1400 Lyon Street, PO Box 267
Marshall
MN
56258
(507) 537-6368
Email: 
tabor.hoek@state.mn.us
Related Topics: 
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, Natural Areas and Habitat, Land Acquisition, Outdoor Heritage Fund, State Government, Statewide