This bill facilitates the transfer of additional federal land in Minnesota's Chippewa National Forest to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, prioritizing lands of cultural significance and sold without proper consent, while ensuring continued public access for hunting, fishing, and recreation.
Tina Smith
Senator
MN
The "Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025" amends the original act to transfer additional federal land in Cass County, Minnesota, to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. This includes land within the Chippewa National Forest that was previously sold without proper consent. The Act allows for land substitutions and ensures continued hunting, fishing, and recreation rights for non-Tribal members, while also mandating public engagement during implementation.
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to Receive Additional Federal Lands Under New Bill: Hunting and Fishing Rights Protected
The Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025 significantly expands the amount of land held in trust for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. This bill amends the original Restoration Act to include additional federal lands within the Chippewa National Forest in Cass County, Minnesota, specifically targeting parcels that were sold off without everyone's okay, according to Bureau of Indian Affairs records.
Homelands Returned
The core of the bill (SEC. 2) focuses on returning specific lands to the Leech Lake Band. The updated law clarifies that the Tribe doesn't plan to immediately change how the transferred land is used. Think of it like getting your family's property back – the first step is getting the title, then figuring out long-term plans. The Secretary of Agriculture, who manages the Chippewa National Forest, is tasked with working with the Tribe to identify and transfer these lands. They can even swap out parcels for others nearby, as long as they're in Cass County and ideally close to existing tribal lands or have cultural significance. This transfer won't happen all at once; it'll be a rolling process as land gets surveyed and paperwork gets done.
Keeping Access Open
Importantly, the bill specifically states that existing hunting, fishing, and recreational rights for people who aren't members of the Tribe won't be affected (Minnesota Statutes section 97A.151 is referenced to make this crystal clear). So, if you're used to fishing or hunting in the area, those rights are protected. This helps ensure that the land transfer doesn't disrupt current recreational uses.
Public Input and Future Steps
The Secretary of Agriculture is also required to get public input and feedback during this whole process. This is crucial for transparency and making sure everyone's voice is heard as these land transfers move forward. While the bill focuses on righting historical wrongs by returning land, the practical side involves some potential hurdles. Things like detailed land surveys and agreeing on alternative land parcels could take time. Long-term, this increased land base could provide the Leech Lake Band with more opportunities for economic development and greater self-determination, while also preserving culturally important sites. The bill requires that the maps and descriptions are submitted of the Federal Land Transferred. This means that the process will be transparent.