Most watershed districts in Minnesota have taken a cautious approach in deciding whether to assume a role in local enforcement of Minnesota’s buffer law. If the Legislature approves state funding for local buffer implementation and enforcement, that may affect their decisions. For watershed districts that decide that a local watershed approach to buffer enforcement is preferable to state enforcement only, a model watershed district rule for buffers is available. The Board of Water and Soil Resources and the Red River Watershed Management Board retained Smith Partners to draft a model rule, guidance document, and memorandum of understanding. BWSR is continuing to update these materials.