Governor Mark Dayton at Buffer Proposal Forum in Rice County

This afternoon, Gov. Mark Dayton attended a Buffer Proposal Forum at Dave Legvold's farm just northwest of Northfield. There was not even standing room only in Legvold's shop. I guess he needs a larger shop! It was great to see farmers, land owners, sportsman and interested citizens there to learn more about Dayton's buffer proposal. Weather you agree or disagree with the governor's proposal, you have to give him credit for coming to rural Minnesota and listening to citizens.

The initial proposal was to expand the buffer strip by streams, rivers and drainage ditches to 50 feet. The current law is one rod, or 16.5 feet. Dayton has been at a number of meetings around Minnesota. He commented he heard there needs to be some flexibility and local control in the law. I have been at two buffer meetings and I have not heard one person say we do not need buffers or they are not beneficial.

In addition to the need for local control, another point than often came up is whether the owners would be compensated for the extra land that would be required. Would there be considerations for real estate taxes? I would argue that this is how our system of government is supposed to work. An idea and bill is introduced, the public can have input and, in the end, hopefully a law that reflects the interests of the land owner, public and the environment!