{KXLG – Pierre, SD} Today, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) touted the success of the statewide Riparian Buffer Initiative (RBI) following the announcement that the Board of Water and Natural Resources approved an additional $1,000,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant for the initiative. Following awards in April 2022 and June 2024, this announcement brings total APRA funding for RBI to $7.0 million.
“The additional funding strengthens our commitment to improving water quality by enhancing riparian buffer across the state,” said Secretary Roberts. “These dollars support landowners while delivering long-term benefits for our lakes, rivers, and streams.”
To date, DANR has executed 42 Riparian Buffer contracts, investing $2,900,000 to protect 123.6 miles of streambank and shoreline. In addition, DANR has 64 potential contracts currently in process that would protect an additional 116 miles of waterways.
DANR has also invested $525,000 into three Animal Waste Management Systems (AWS), accounting for 2,099 animal units. There is a potential for 11 more systems that would account for 4,089 animal units.
DANR estimates that the installed riparian buffers and animal waste systems have prevented 45,733.8 pounds of nitrogen, 5,029.5 pounds of phosphorus, and 234 tons of sediment from entering South Dakota’s waterbodies.
A riparian zone is land along rivers, streams, lakes, and other waterbodies where vegetation acts as a natural buffer to prevent pollutants from entering waterways. Riparian buffers are a proven conservation practice that improves water quality, supports wildlife habitat, provides additional forage for livestock, and increases the value of marginal cropland.
Landowners enrolled in the Riparian Buffer Initiative receive direct payments to install and maintain buffers on eligible lands. Buffers must be 50–120 feet wide, may not be harvested or mowed from May 1 to August 1, may not be grazed from May 1 to September 30, and must maintain a minimum of four inches of vegetative 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 click here. Landowners interested in enrolling in RBI should contact DANR’s Tanner Clausen at 605-362-3559.
The board approved the funding at its last meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
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