The U.S. Forest Service, Minnesota DNR, and Leech Lake band are working together to make sure land is returned to the band, but also with the mindset of not affecting easements and the areas that hunters and anglers appreciate.
“This is one of the most monumental and positive developments to take place on Leech Lake since the first treaties were signed and the reservation was established in 1855,” said Leech Lake Chairman Faron Jackson Sr.
The Forest and the Band jointly identified the proposed parcels to be transferred. The intent is to limit fragmentation of ownership boundaries while honoring private property rights.
Peter Aube and Kathleen Preece from Bemidji have been reappointed to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, along with a first-time appointment of Michael Stansberry of Cass Lake.