PIERRE, S.D. (KELO AM) South Dakota landowners can now now apply for tax incentives for buffer strips they create along their streams and other waters.
Governor Dennis Daugaard has also announced a new website for the program.
"We are unveiling a website that helps a landowner know if their property would qualify for the tax break if they installed such a buffer strip."
The interactive map website denr.sd.gov/datagis.aspx. also allows landowners to estimate the size of buffer strips and the acres involved. .
The State Legislature approved Dauagaard's riparian buffer program to help improve water quality and increase wildlife habitat in South Dakota. Under the new law, eligible riparian buffer strips are assessed at 60 percent of the land’s agricultural income value.
“South Dakotans place a very high value on the water quality of our lakes and streams,” says Daugaard, “I expect many South Dakotans will choose to participate in this program to help improve water quality in our state, and this new map makes it easy to understand who qualifies.”