Senate Bill 199 was defeated on the floor of the South Dakota legislature last night. The measure called for creation of a water management commission and would have eliminated the non-meandered waters compromise worked out last summer between farmers and sportsmen. South Dakota Stockgrowers Association members opposed SB 199 and President Gary Deering says they’re pleased it was voted down.

He says they’ll continue to monitor several other non-meandered water bills in the state legislature. Deering says they support an approach that recognizes private property rights, but still provides some access for sportsmen.

Deering says lawmakers may end up debating the non-meandered waters issue most of the session before it’s resolved.

Last summer the legislature passed a short-term agreement that Governor Dennis Daugaard has asked lawmakers to extend for two years.