SDFU President: Grassroots Policy Supports Wetlands Compliance, Appeals Reform

Policy put in place by members of South Dakota's largest agriculture organization, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU), supports the NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act introduced by Senator Mike Rounds the week of Sept. 19.

"Our policy supports a landowner's ability to make decisions for the land they own," explained Doug Sombke, SDFU President and a fourth-generation Conde farmer.

Rounds first introduced the NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act during the 116th Congress. According to Rounds, this updated version remains largely unchanged, except for the addition to the Act which would prevent NRCS from entering into permanent easement agreements.

"Permanent easement agreements mean decisions made by previous generations could impact future generations," Sombke said. "Each generation needs to be able to make decisions that make sense for their farm or ranch. I don't expect my sons to manage the land exactly how I did or the same way my dad or grandpa did. This Act supports landowners' rights."

To read the NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act, visit https://www.rounds.senate.gov/ and click on the Legislation link.