Central South Dakota News

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds has introduced the Fence Line Fairness Act, a legislative proposal aimed at establishing a formal mediation process for resolving land boundary disputes between landowners and the United States Forest Service (USFS). The legislation seeks to address conflicts that often arise when private lands border federally managed areas.

In South Dakota, approximately 2.6 million acres are federally owned, with 76 percent managed by the USFS. Land agencies have been authorized by Congress to lease these lands to local producers for activities such as grazing or mining, which support economic activity while preserving natural resources. Disputes typically occur where private lands meet USFS-managed territories.

The proposed act would establish a committee composed of appointed producers tasked with mediating disputes and offering recommendations to both the agency and involved parties. This committee would include members from the state, two appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and three by the state's Department of Agriculture or Natural Resources.

"Landowners deserve a proper notice and review process involving land disputes with the federal government," stated Senator 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 legislation has garnered support from several organizations including the 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.

Carl Sanders from the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association remarked on the benefits of involving local producers in mediation: “Introducing mediation that includes local producers and entities who know the land and know the parties and their operation will resolve issues that come forward regarding minor fence line disputes with the U.S. Forest Service.”

Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, emphasized potential benefits for ranchers: “We’re already experiencing situations where uncertainty over boundary lines with the federal government is disrupting lives... Senator Rounds’ bill is a common-sense intervention that holds promise.”

Justin Tupper, President of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association added: "The Fence Line Fairness Act would help producers resolve disputes in a more fair, timely, and local manner... We support this bill."

The full text of the bill is available online.