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The Fence Line Fairness Act of 2024 directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish mediation committees in each state with National Forest System land to help resolve property boundary disputes between private landowners and the federal government. Each committee will consist of five members who are active farmers or ranchers, with two appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and three appointed by the relevant state agriculture or natural resources department, serving five-year terms with a two-term limit. When a boundary dispute arises, the Secretary must notify the affected private landowner within 30 days and offer them the option to use the mediation process, with disputes referred to the appropriate committee within 60 days if the landowner chooses mediation. The mediation committees will hold private hearings, gather testimony from both the landowner and Forest Service officials, and submit findings and recommendations to the Secretary, Forest Service Chief, relevant state officials, and Congress within 180 days of the dispute referral. The bill aims to provide a faster, more accessible process for resolving land boundary disagreements between private property owners and the National Forest System.

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