U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds is introducing legislation that would create a mediation process for land disputes between landowners and the United State Forest Service.
The USFS offers leases to local producers to let parts of the public lands be used for grazing or mining. Many of these producers select leases that border their private land.
This sometimes creates confusion when it comes to boundary lines between private and public land.
“Landowners deserve a proper notice and review process involving land disputes with the federal government," said Rounds. “My legislation would create a committee made up of local farmers and ranchers appointed by both the federal and state Departments of Agriculture. This gives local landowners a fighting chance at settling a dispute before it escalates.”
The Fence Line Fairness Act is supported by South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, R-CALF USA, Public Lands Council and United States Cattlemen’s Association.
Supporters say this legislation would help support landowners rights and would prevent disrupting livelihoods when boundary disputes arise.
