Pennington
Soil & Water Conservation District

WHAT IS A BUFFER ?

Conservation buffers are strips or other areas of land in permanent vegetation that help control pollutants, erosion, and manage other environmental concerns.  Conservation buffers can help protect soil, air, and water quality and improve fish and wildlife habitat.

WHERE ARE BUFFERS NEEDED? 

Buffers are needed along public waters and legal ditches.  A 50 foot buffer is required on public waters and a 16.5 foot buffer is required on legal ditches.  The SWCD can assist landowners to identify buffer requirements, including the use of alternative practices.  You can contact the SWCD staff for more information. 

​

COMPLIANCE CHECKS

Your local SWCD is responsible to determine buffer compliance.  Below is a compliance map that identifies when public waters and ditch systems will be checked for compliance.