The Austin chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America thanks Gov. Mark Dayton for his proposal to increase shoreland buffers of perennial vegetation on waters around the state. For over five years now, the Austin chapter has been concerned over the inconsistent enforcement of existing buffer requirements throughout the state.

Expanding shoreland buffers presents an enormous opportunity for the state’s natural resources. These buffers provide a way to address nonpoint source pollution while creating corridors of habitat for wildlife. Shoreland buffers provide important benefits:

• Buffers are excellent natural filters to reduce excess sediment, phosphorus and pesticides that pollute many of Minnesota’s waterways.

• Buffers provide key habitat for many species of game and non-game wildlife including pheasants, migratory birds, monarch butterflies and other pollinators and amphibians.

• Buffers slow down water running off the land to increase infiltration, reduce peak flows and restore natural hydrology.

Considering these benefits, it is in the interest of all Minnesotans to ensure that shoreland buffers are in place to preserve our clean water, wildlife and aquatic life. As Gov. Dayton noted at the DNR roundtable, the state’s water belongs to all Minnesotans. We agree the state has a responsibility to protect it and feel Dayton’s statewide buffer initiative is a strong step to do so.

Thanks you, Gov. Dayton, for your leadership on this issue. We look forward to working with you and your administration to further develop and win passage of your proposal.

Bill Buckley,

President of the Austin chapter of the Izaak Walton League of Minnesota