South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard has signed the non-meandered waters legislation. The measure makes permanent an expiring law that governs the use of flooded lakes on private land for recreation. The Governor earlier had asked for an extension of the June expiration to 2021 but lawmakers sent him a bill that removed the sunset. State Farm Bureau Lobbyist Mike Held says it’s a good compromise measure, that benefits landowners and sportsmen.

He agrees with the Governor that the temporary law is working and didn’t need any drastic changes.

Held says landowners private property rights are protected with this measure.

Held, who’s been working on this issue for the past 25 years, says he’s pleased there’s finally certainty provided for both sportsmen and landowners.