Bill > S1636

This bill establishes a new process for resolving boundary disputes between private landowners and the U.S. Forest Service regarding National Forest System land. Specifically, the Secretary of Agriculture must create oversight mediation committees in each state with National Forest System land, composed of five members: two appointed by the Secretary and three appointed by the state's agriculture or natural resources department. These committees will be made up of active farmers or ranchers who will serve limited terms. When a boundary dispute arises, the Forest Service must notify the private landowner within 30 days and offer the option of using the mediation committee process. If the landowner chooses mediation, the committee will conduct private hearings, analyze testimony and information from both the landowner and Forest Service officials, and provide recommendations for resolving the dispute. Within 180 days of receiving a dispute, the committee must begin hearings and ultimately submit a comprehensive report detailing their findings and recommendations to multiple government entities, including the Secretary of Agriculture, the Chief of the Forest Service, relevant state departments, and congressional agricultural committees. The goal of this bill is to provide a more collaborative and localized approach to resolving complex land boundary issues between private property owners and federal forest lands.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1636/all-info