PIERRE, SD (KELO.COM) Governor Daugaard on Wednesday signed a new law he hopes will lead to better water quality and more wildlife habitat in South Dakota.
The law gives breaks on tax assessments to land owners who establish buffer strips along their creeks, streams, and lakes.
“I appreciate state Sen. Jim Peterson starting the conversation on buffer strips last year,” Daugaard said, “Senate Bill 66 received broad, bipartisan support and I expect many South Dakotans will choose to participate in this program to help improve water quality in our state.”
Under SB 66, eligible riparian buffer strips are assessed at 60 percent of the land’s agricultural income value. The bill specifies the 575 lake listings and 11,000 miles of streams that are included. Only land within 120 feet of a listed lake, river or stream may be classified as a riparian buffer strip and grazing is prohibited from May 1 through Sept. 30.