REDETERMINATION OF DITCH BENEFITS IN THE

MINNESOTA RIVER BASIN

Status Update 2010

Statistics 19 counties have done ROBs in last 5 years, 15

counties have not.

5 counties have ordered all systems to be redetermined. Most counties only do redeterminations when petitioned for by landowners or ordered by drainage authority in conjunction with a major repair of the system.

Of the ROBs that have been done, officials indicated that 75% were completed with positive support from the public and 25% involved negative actions.

Statistics Most ditches that “require” buffers have already been

buffered. (appeared to be a lot of differences in perceptions about what systems were required to have buffers)

Most counties active in redeterminations are located in the southern portion of the basin where drainage greatly increases land value – northern and western portions of the basin largely did not view ROB as needed or beneficial.

Redetermination of Benefits StatusMinnesota River Basin

Hindrances to ROB

1. Cost

2. Time

3. Process viewed as unnecessary

4. Political issues

5. Counterproductive landowners

Problems Encountered

Outdated ditch laws Errors Initiating the process Buffers

Insight Apparent need for additional clarification and

consistency among all involved.

Order redeterminations rather than have them petitioned.

Increase/Improve communications between ditch authorities and landowners.

Allow landowners to meet with viewers prior to final meeting.

Remind option of buffer programs – make sure programs can be utilized prior to ROB.