Shoreland Rules Update Project
Summer 2010
Draft Shoreland Rules Not Approved by Governor
On August 11th Governor Tim Pawlenty returned the draft shoreland conservation rules to the DNR for further engagement and discussion, especially with the 2011 Legislature. The Governor's letter noted that many of the draft rule provisions can be implemented by local units of government in the absence of formal rulemaking by the DNR, and he encouraged the DNR and all local units of government to work together in areas where additional regulations will achieve desired goals.
For additional information, see the August 2010 
shoreland rules update project newsletter.
Background
The 2007 Minnesota Legislature directed the DNR to commence rulemaking to update the statewide minimum shoreland development standards. Local government units (counties, cities, and towns) are responsible for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of shoreland management standards through their planning and zoning controls. The shoreland rules were last revised in 1989. See: Shoreland Management: How did it all get started?
In addition, the DNR published an updated Request for Comments to consider incorporating the rules governing Minnesota's Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers into the shoreland rules.
For more background, see Minding our Shores, written by Mary Hoff for the May-June 2010 Minnesota Conservation Volunteer.
Advisory Committees
Advisory Committee Member Lists, Minutes, and Presentation Materials
Project Reports
- Issue Identification Report (0.6 Mb) (October 2008)
- Issue Identification Report - Appendix (3.8 Mb) (October 2008)
- Resort Workgroup Report (1.5 Mb) (January 2009)
- Public Participation Process Report (0.5 Mb) (April 2009)
- Agricultural Forums Report (1.4 Mb) (June 2009)
Shoreland Rules Update Newsletter
For news concerning the shoreland rules update project, please see the latest newsletter.
- August 2010
- May 2010
- December 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- January 2009
- November 2008
- September 2008
- July 2008
- March 2008
News Releases
- DNR releases preliminary draft of updated shoreland rules
(May 2009) - Potential merger of wild and scenic river/shoreland rules considered
(March 2009) - DNR to host forum on agricultural practices in shoreland areas - Frazee
(February 2009) - DNR to host forum on agricultural practices in shoreland areas - Redwood Falls
(February 2009) - DNR to host forum on agricultural practices in shoreland areas - Rochester
(January 2009) - Water quality is top concern in new DNR shoreline report
(November 2008) - Citizen input will shape updated shoreland standards
(October 2008) - Addressing the importance of keeping a natural shoreline
(October 2008) - History and future of Minnesota's shoreland management
(August 2008)
Shoreland Rules Update Fact Sheets
- Intralake Zoning for Sensitive Lakeshores
- Designing Plats to Fit the Environment
- Conservation Subdivisions
Open House Meetings in June 2008
Open house meetings were scheduled around the state to share information about the shoreland rules update project and shoreland management in general. These meetings were intended to provide information about the rule revision process, how to get involved, what the existing rules cover, and what are the potential areas that could be included in the rule revision. Although these open houses provided information about the shoreland rules update project, they also provided information from other entities (local governments, SWCDs, etc.) that have a role in shoreland management or relate to it.
Locations and Dates of June 2008 Open Houses
The format of these meetings allowed individual conversations on diverse shoreland topics. The statewide shoreland rules are a part of a broader shoreland management effort. These meetings encouraged a more robust discussion on shoreland management as a whole. The meetings included a series of tables or information stations on educational materials, projects, and upcoming events related to shoreland management. Topics include water quality, shoreland stewardship, vegetation management, conservation, and fish and wildlife habitat.
Draft Documents
- Executive Summary
- Draft Shoreland Rules (July 2010) (3.2 Mb)
- Comparison Table with Changes, Rationale, and Guiding Principles (July 2010)
- Highlights of Key Issues
- Key Proposals and their Reasoning
For further information, contact:
DNR Shoreland Rules Update Project Manager