South Dakota's legislators will hear another proposal this session to create a buffer strip conservation program.

The goal is to improve water quality, said Hunter Roberts, a policy adviser for Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

The anticipated bill would establish a 40% property tax break for land enrolled in buffer strips along rivers and streams and around lakes. South Dakota has 11,000 miles of classified rivers and streams and 575 lakes.

The program would be voluntary.

Buffer strips would be from 50 to 120 feet wide.

Landowners would be required to apply annually for the tax break.

Livestock would not be able to graze buffer strips between May 1 and Sept. 30.

At least 6 inches of cover would have to be left if buffer strips were mowed or hayed.

Mowing and haying would not be permitted until after July 10 to protect bird nests.

Roberts said the departments of Game, Fish and Parks; Environment and Natural Resources; Agriculture; and Revenue; and the Governor's Office worked together to figure out a proposal affecting property taxes, wildlife habitat and water quality.

Sweeter is from Worthing, S.D.