Native Ecosystems of Midwest

Minnesota River Basin

Gulf Of Mexico

Nutrient Enrichment

Blue Baby Syndrome
Nitrogen Level Regulation:
Below 10 parts per million

April 2015 MPCA Report:
Southwestern MN Streams and Rivers Over 90% impaired for fish consumption

1972 Clean Water Act

Riparian Buffers

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Effective Filter - 50 feet wide
Wildlife Habitat - 100-300 feet wide

Ecological Services

• Temperature Regulation
• Wildlife Habitat
• Stabilize Stream Bank
• Energy Resource
• Nutrient Filtration

Proper Management

• Restrict livestock access
• No Heavy Equipment
• Preservation of Stream Route - No Straightening of Stream Path

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June 2015 - MN Buffer Legislation

• Intended to reduce soil erosion
• Increase wildlife habitat
• Improve water quality
• but . . .

Non-Public Waterway Battle
Requirements Fall Short of Best Practices
Does Not Do Enough to
Improve Ecosystem Stability and Water Quality

How do we 'change the pig?"

June 2009:
A 50-Year Farm Bill
Polyculture system of perennial vegetation, Promotion of No-Till, Less Inputs, Cover Cropping Methods to Preserve Vital Ecosystem Services and Quality of Soil, Water, and Create a Sustainability Food System

"The deficit spending of ecological capital necessary for food production.'
- Wes Jackson

Government Support - R& D - Polyculture of Perenial Plants