FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, July 25, 2025 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ben Koisti, Ben Koisti@state.sd.us 

Water Quality and Conservation Wins in the Big Sioux River Watershed 

PIERRE S.D. – The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced that the entire $3 million appropriated under South Dakota House Bill 1256 of the 2021 Legislative Session has been disbursed to support working lands water quality improvement projects within the Big Sioux River Watershed. Funding was provided to:  

• Develop riparian buffers, a vegetated area bordering a stream, river, or lake. These buffers play a vital role in protecting water quality by filtering pollutants, stabilizing stream banks, and providing habitat for wildlife; and 
• Provide financial assistance for design and construction of animal waste management systems that do not need coverage under DANR’s general permit to prevent the runoff of animal waste. 

“Thank you to the landowners, producers, and partners who took part in the Riparian Buffer Initiative program. Your buy in is critical to protecting South Dakota’s rivers, streams, and shorelines,” said Secretary Hunter Roberts. “By supporting conservation efforts today, we are helping ensure clean water, healthy habitats, and beautiful landscapes for the future.” 

These efforts led to the protection of more than 80 miles of river, stream, and/or lake shore through strategic establishment of riparian vegetative filter strips on agricultural land. Funds were also used to support construction of two animal waste management systems. 

Initiative Highlights: 

• $3 Million Fully Spent from House Bill 1256 of 2021 Legislative Session;
• 80+ Miles of Streams and Lakes protected by Riparian Buffer Zones;
• Collaborative Conservation with partners: Pheasants Forever, Nonpoint Source Watershed Projects, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Conservation Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ducks Unlimited, and others;
• Financial Incentives for landowners including rental payments and cost-share opportunities for grass seed and alternative water;
• Financial Support for two animal waste management systems designed to achieve full manure containment; 
• Water Quality and Habitat Benefits through reduced pollutant runoff, sediment control, and expanded wildlife corridors; and
• Modeled Load Reductions: 6,346 pounds/year of nitrogen, 1,469 pounds/year of phosphorus, and 943.5 tons/year of sediment. 

The Riparian Buffer Initiative is a voluntary, working lands program aimed at protecting the state’s waterways, improving water quality, and supporting landowner stewardship while still allowing utilization and management of the enrolled land during portions of the year. The program provides financial incentives for landowners to preserve or restore natural vegetation along rivers, lakes, and streams.  

Two examples of the project's before-and-after photos can be found here 

For more information about the initiative, please visit Riparian Buffer Initiative  

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