The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) recently announced an additional allocation of $5 million for its statewide Riparian Buffer Initiative (RBI) through funds from the American Rescue Plan Act grant. RBI offers landowners annual cash payments and tax breaks to incentivize the use of buffers on private lands in impaired watersheds. Riparian buffers are vegetated boundaries composed of perennial grasses or woody plants that physically separate cropland from waterways. They effectively mitigate the movement of sediment, nutrients,and pesticides from waterways and farm fields. Additionally, they provide habitat for desirable plants and animals, promote healthy aquatic life, provide additional forage for livestock, and increase the value of marginal croplands.

Much of the Riparian Buffer Initiative has focused on conservation efforts in the Big Sioux River watershed. Initially, the program had a slow start, with few landowners interested in the program. However, targeted landowner outreach efforts and additional incentives added to the program within the last year have caused a significant uptick in enrollment and interest. At the time of this publication, DANR has executed 31 Big Sioux River Watershed Riparian Buffer contracts, an investment of $1,016,649.55. These contracts protect 181,327 linear feet of streambank and shoreline in the watershed. Additionally, there are 19 potential Big Sioux River contracts in process. DANR has also partnered with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and the Big Sioux River Project to add additional incentives for landowners who also enroll in CRP, CREP, SRAM, and RAM contracts.

To learn more about the Riparian Buffer Initiative, including the enrollment requirements, visit danr.sd.gov. If you are a landowner interested in enrolling in RBI, contact DANR’s Tanner Clausen at 605-362-3559.