DANR Announces $5 Million for Statewide Riparian Buffer Initiative

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved an additional $5,000,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant for its statewide Riparian Buffer Initiative (RBI). Previous RBI funding was awarded in April 2022.

Since 2022, the state has directed $9 million to RBI representing the largest investment in non-point source pollution prevention in South Dakota history.

"Protecting and preserving South Dakota's water resources is a priority for DANR, and riparian buffers are a proven and effective way to keep pollutants out of our lakes and streams," said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. "We are excited to build on the recent success of RBI and further expand the project to waterways across the state."

To date, DANR has executed thirty-one Big Sioux Watershed Riparian Buffer contracts investing $1,016,649.55 to protect 181,327 linear feet of streambank and shoreline. In addition, DANR has nineteen potential Big Sioux contracts in process. Statewide, DANR has five signed contracts investing $862,126.63 to protect 178,882 linear feet of streambank with thirteen potential contracts in progress.

A riparian zone is land along the edges of rivers, streams, lakes, and other waterbodies. Vegetation within the riparian zone of waterways serves as a natural buffer preventing pollutants from reaching waterways. Establishing healthy riparian buffers is a common conservation practice used to improve and protect water quality and overall ecological health of aquatic resources. Riparian buffers also provide valuable habitat, additional forage for livestock, and increase the value of marginal crop lands.

Landowners who enroll in the Riparian Buffer Initiative will receive direct payments to install and maintain buffers on eligible lands. Buffers must be a minimum of 50 feet wide and have a maximum average width of 120 feet, may not be harvested or mowed between May 1 and August 1, may not be grazed between May 1 and September 30, and must maintain a minimum of four inches of cover. DANR is partnering with the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks (GFP) to add additional incentives for riparian buffers in areas also participating in CRP and CREP contracts.

For more information about DANR's Riparian Buffer Initiative clickhere. Landowners interested in enrolling in RBI should contact DANR's Tanner Clausen at 605-362-3559.

The American Rescue Plan Act provides grants for eligible water, wastewater, storm water, and nonpoint source projects. The state of South Dakota is making a historic investment in infrastructure by dedicating $689,384,221 of American Rescue Plan Act funding for local water and wastewater infrastructure grants.

The board approved the funding at today's meeting in Pierre.

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