BROOKINGS, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Department of Ag and Natural Resources has new incentives for landowners in the Big Sioux Watershed to add land to the riparian buffer initiative. That is land close to streams and rivers, if set aside, that could slow pollution flowing into the river.

Jay Gilbertson, manager of the East Dakota Water Development District in Brookings, says any expansion of that program will help improve water quality in the Big Sioux River.

Gilbertson says they have had buffer incentives in place for some time in the watershed.

Gilbertson says under the new program, producers will still control their land.

The new program started with the addition of twenty seven acres in Day County.