Buffer Strips Along the Big Sioux River and Skunk Creek Improve Water Quality By City of Sioux Falls
bike trail runs adjacent to the Big Sioux River, which makes it an excellent site for native plantings and no-mow areas.
Cleaner water is ahead for the Big Sioux River and Skunk Creek, in part because of the newly implemented buffer strips along the waterways. Low-use areas adjacent to the Big Sioux River are being converted from turf grass to native plantings or no-mow areas in an effort to improve water quality.
Fifteen acres between the bike trail and the river in Nelson Park, Cherry Rock Park, Pasley Park, and Tuthill Park have been converted to no-mow areas. These no-mow areas help to filter storm water runoff before it reaches the waterways.
“Farmers and ranchers are not the only ones that can make a difference in improving the water quality of the Big Sioux. The bigger cities and smaller towns up and down this critical waterway need to step up to the plate and do their part, and yes, that includes Sioux Falls in a big way,” says Mayor Mike Huether.
Three areas have been planted with native grasses. The deep roots of native plantings stabilize soils and allow for better infiltration of storm water. The areas include: j Four acres near the intersection of 57th Street and Western Avenue. j Eleven acres in Legacy Park. j Five acres in Dunham Park.
The City of Sioux Falls is dedicated to improving the water quality of the Big Sioux River. Urban storm water runoff is one source of pollution in our watershed. Most of the City’s
As part of this project, the City was awarded funding by the South Dakota Discovery Center to install educational signage about the water quality benefits of native grass
Native Grasses sign which will be installed at Legacy and Dunham parks in Sioux Falls. 34
SOUTH DAKOTA MUNICIPALITIES
