S. 1636: Fence Line Fairness Act of 2025

The Fence Line Fairness Act of 2025 aims to create oversight mediation committees in each state that has National Forest System land. These committees will assist in resolving disputes between private landowners and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture regarding property boundaries between private land and National Forest lands.

Key Provisions

Establishment of Mediation Committees

The Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for forming these committees in consultation with state agricultural and natural resource departments. Each committee will help address boundary disputes in the states where National Forest lands are located.

Composition of the Committees

Each mediation committee will consist of:

• Two members who are private, active farmers or ranchers appointed by the Secretary.
• Three members who are also private, active farmers or ranchers, but appointed by the respective state department of agriculture or natural resources.

Members will serve for terms of five years and may be reappointed for one additional term.

Notification of Disputes

If a boundary dispute arises, the Secretary must notify the affected private landowner within 30 days upon becoming aware of the dispute. The landowner will have the option to engage the mediation committee to help resolve the issue.

Dispute Resolution Process

If a landowner opts to use the mediation committee, the Secretary will refer the dispute to the committee within 60 days. The mediation committee will:

• Hold private hearings to gather information and testimony from both the landowner and relevant Forest Service officials.
• Provide recommendations for resolving the dispute.
• Submit a report detailing their findings and recommendations to various stakeholders, including the Secretary and key congressional committees.

The committee is required to begin hearings on the dispute within 180 days of its referral.

Objective

The overall goal of the bill is to streamline the process of resolving property boundary disputes between private lands and National Forest System lands, ensuring that landowners have access to a formal mediation process to address their concerns.

Relevant Companies