Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 183 - Water and Soil Resources Board
Chapter 8400 - LAND AND WATER TREATMENT PROGRAM
EASEMENT PROGRAM
Part 8400.3830 - VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT

Subpart 1. District board action.

The district board may take such measures as are necessary to ensure landowner compliance with the conservation agreement, conservation easement, and conservation plan. If the district board is unsuccessful at obtaining landowner compliance, the district board shall notify the state board of the violation and may recommend appropriate measures to be taken to correct violations.

Subp. 2. State board action.

Upon notification or discovery of a violation of a conservation agreement, conservation easement, or conservation plan, the state board shall take action to resolve the violation.

A landowner who violates the terms of a conservation agreement, conservation easement, or conservation plan under this chapter, or induces, assists, or allows another to do so, is liable to the state for treble damages if the violation is willful or double damages if the violation is not willful. The amount of damages is the amount needed to make the state whole or the amount the landowner has gained due to the violation, whichever is greater.

If the state board is not successful in resolving the violation, it may request the state attorney general to commence legal action to enforce the conservation agreement, conservation easement, or conservation plan.

Subp. 3. Attorney general action.

Upon request by the state board, the attorney general may commence an action for specific performances, injunctive relief, damages, including attorney fees, and any other appropriate relief to enforce Minnesota Statutes, sections 103F.501 to 103F.531 in district court in the county where all or part of the violation is alleged to have been committed, or where the landowner resides or has a principal place of business.

Conservation easements remain in effect even if maintenance violations have occurred.