Shoreland Rules Update Project
Introduction
Laws of Minnesota 2007, Chapter 57, Article 1, Section 4, Subdivision 3 requires that "By January 15, 2008, the commissioner shall commence rulemaking under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14, to update the minimum shoreland standards in Minnesota Rules, chapter 6120." The Department of Natural Resources is in the early stages of setting up the framework for the rulemaking process.
The shoreland rules were last revised in 1989. See: Shoreland Management: How did it all get started? 
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Local governments (counties, cities, towns) are responsible for the implementation, administration and enforcement of shoreland management standards through their planning and zoning controls. These controls affect shoreland property owners and the use and development of shoreland areas. All will have input into the updating of rules to deal with current development trends and issues. The goal is to have workable standards that reflect key resource values and science and are adaptable to a variety of local issues and needs.
The DNR published a Request for Comments in the State Register on January 22, 2008 relating to possible rule revisions governing shoreland management. Specific rule language has not yet been developed, and the DNR will consider public input submitted prior to May 20, 2008 as part of preparing rule revision language.
Issue Identification Report
- Issue Identification Report (0.6 Mb) (October 2008)
- Issue Identification Report - Appendix (3.8 Mb) (October 2008)
Shoreland Rules Update Newsletter
For news concerning the shoreland rules update project, please see the latest newsletter.
News Releases
- 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)
Advisory Committees
Advisory Committee Member Lists, Minutes, and Presentation Materials
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information please refer to Shoreland Rules Update Project Frequently Asked Questions .
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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.
For further information, contact:
DNR Shoreland Rules Update Project Manager
