Thank you for choosing to donate to CURE!

With your donation, know that CURE is working on your behalf to protect our water, promote clean energy and provide climate change solutions.

Clean Up the River Environment is a charitable organization exempt from taxation under section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

“The land may be yours, but the water belongs to all of us.”

CURE is taking his message to heart and will work hard to make the Governor’s proposal a reality, but we need your support. This is work that didn’t come attached to foundation grant dollars. This campaign relies solely on contributions from CURE’s members and donors.

With your help, we will raise $5,000 in 30 days to keep Minnesota’s leaders focused on getting the job done.

Lend your support to Governor Dayton’s Statewide Buffer Plan

Mail-in Your Donation:

If you prefer to mail-in your donation, please send it to CURE, 117 South 1st Street, Montevideo, MN 56265. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office toll free at (877)269-2873.

Click here for a donation form

What is a buffer strip?

A buffer is a strip of land maintained in permanent vegetative cover along lakes, rivers, and ditches. They reduce or filter excess nutrients and other pollutants from entering our waterways. And if done properly, they create habitat for game birds like pheasants, migratory songbirds, pollinators and Monarchs, and other species. To learn more about buffer strips, click here.

What do we know about the Governor’s proposal so far?

Current laws and rules already provide for a 50-foot buffer on public waters and a 16.5 foot buffer on some public ditches, but, as you know, enforcement has been inconsistent. While some counties are taking the initiative to protect our water, soil and habitat, others allow landowners to do as they wish, regardless of the rules or public interest. The Governor’s proposal, however, would make the state–not local officials–responsible for enforcement. He further suggested that aerial imagery could be used to efficiently check compliance and that noncompliant landowners would suffer escalating fines.

To learn more about the issue, check out the following news articles:

“Governor proposes 50-foot waterway buffers, enforcement to create habitat,” by Tom Cherveny, West Central Tribune.
“Dayton proposes legislative action on waterway buffers, says move would help pheasants, water,” by Steve Karnowski, Star Tribune.
“Dayton proposes 50-foot waterway buffers to help pheasant population,” by Dave Orrick, Pioneer Press.