Native Buffer Program

The Native Buffer Cost-Share Program is administered locally through the Stearns County SWCD. The Buffer Program could potentially cover up to 75% of the costs for getting native plants established on your property. This would include seeding, planting, mulching and associated preparation. There could be other stormwater best management practices (BMP's) incorporated into the site, such as rain gardens or other infiltration practices. These stormwater best management practices could also be eligible for cost share assistance.

If you're interested, the SWCD could also work with your engineer on the site layout and provide the technical assistance needed to qualify for the program.

Native Buffer Cost-Share Program Criteria Date: 10-7-09

Purpose:

Grants for cost-sharing contracts to establish and maintain diverse native vegetation buffers using seeds and plants of local ecotype regions.

Policies:

I. Program Requirements

• BWSR State Cost-Share Program processes required.
• Eligible conservation buffer areas to be determined by the SWCD.
• Projects must be sustained for a minimum of 15 years.
• Eligible project areas are within the prairie regions of the state (list of counties in M.S. 84.02, Sec. 17, Subd. 4)
• Min/max size and costs determined by SWCD Boards using reasonable cost process.
• Multiple estimates are required for work done, to the extent possible.
• A complete set of program records must be kept, like other Cost-share programs.
• The "BWSR Native Vegetation Guidelines" (http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/practices/) summarize seed source requirements and seed specifications for the program.
• The county of origin for all seed within mixes shall be listed on seed tags. The county of origin (seed source) of containerized herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs shall be documented on species lists.
• Prairie plantings must use a minimum of 25 species.

II. Eligible Practices

• Site preparation, seed collection, seeds/plants, mulch, seeding/establishment costs.
• Prairie establishment, lakeshore restoration (including minimal grading for site preparation), stormwater treatment projects, wellhead protection, river/streambank restoration, wetland buffer and drainage buffers.
• Remnant native prairie management using vegetation management activities with approval from BWSR Vegetation Specialist.
• Native vegetation management(when tied to efforts to increase native species diversity); prescribed burning, inter-seeding, weed and invasive species control
• Land rental costs, for non-program lands, during establishment (3yrs. CCRP rate x 75%) for agricultural lands or seed production areas. The rental payment is at the discretion of the SWCD board when there are acres being converted from agricultural use and no other program payments are involved. The intent is to cover costs as native vegetation establishes.

III. Allowable Activities

• Haying, seed propagation, energy production and prescribed burning, outside of the nesting season (Typically June 1st to August 1st) if allowed by any underlying program conditions.

For more information contact: