Land Trust and Landowners Work Together to Improve Water Quality

Posted: 25-Feb-2008; Updated: 24-Apr-2008

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Farming right up to the stream edge can be hazardous to farm machinery as well as water quality. Northern Prairies Land Trust's easement program helps landowners plant buffer strips. (Photo: Northern Prairies Land Trust)

Although the American prairies evoke images of upland grasses and a few major rivers such as the Missouri, the dozens of smaller and less-noticed prairie rivers represent the richest repositories of habitat and useful water resources. For example, the Big Sioux River watershed [PDF] covers approximately 7,280 square miles and is a valuable resource that provides citizens of South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa with numerous benefits—drinking water, wildlife habitat and recreation.

However, water quality in several areas of the watershed does not meet standards for the beneficial uses, as designated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, due to excessive levels of fecal coliform (bacteria) and total suspended solids. The primary contributors to the high levels are livestock access to the Big Sioux River and its tributaries, and agricultural practices that result in erosion and feedlot runoff directly to the river and its tributaries. In addition, overuse of the riparian zones threatens the loss of unique vegetation, including rare oak savannas. 

For the past two years, Northern Prairies Land Trust has dedicated substantial resources to improving water quality in the Big Sioux River and its many tributaries. Through its Big Sioux River Conservation Easement Program, formed in partnership with East Dakota Water Development District (a local water district), NPLT has developed and implemented a buffer strip conservation easement program that provides financial incentives for agricultural landowners who voluntarily agree to restrict certain land use practices along the river and its tributaries. The majority of these easements are perpetual, but 30-year terms can be negotiated. Landowners can also combine BSRCEP benefits with Farm Bill and Clean Water Act programs that seek to protect the river and wetlands.

Along the Big Sioux River and its tributaries, landowners are volunteering to restrict livestock access to improve water quality. (Photo: Northern Prairies Land Trust)

Funding for easements and other resources are provided primarily from a coalition including East Dakota Water Development District, the city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and NPLT. The program also assists landowners with securing cost-share funding from other agencies and organizations for conservation measures.

 As of February 2008, five easements have been implemented through the BSRCEP. Landowners were paid for the easement at the time of signing, providing substantial compensation for implementing and maintaining practices designed to improve water quality and protect native habitat. A long list of additional applicants awaits approval. The goal is uninterrupted strips of protected riparian ground in the areas of greatest need.

 NPLT has also worked with several organizations and state agencies to initiate a pilot project to test lakes that drain into the Big Sioux for harmful bacteria. In addition, the organization serves as a referral source for land and water quality protection programs offered by the states, federal government and local entities. Perhaps most important, this innovative watershed model is drawing interest from other threatened prairie river watersheds.

Conservation Incentives thanks Northern Prairies Land Trust Board President John Davidson and Executive Director Patrick Anderson for this article, which appeared in a slightly different format in the NPLT newsletter. More information about NPLT is at  www.northernprairies.org.