CASS LAKE, Minn. — The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Chippewa National Forest officials announced Thursday that 11,778 acres of national forest are being transferred back to the Band.
The agreement was signed by U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester Tony Dixon, returning 345 restoration parcels of land to the band as part of the 2020 Restoration Act. The restored lands will enable the Band to invest in development opportunities and preserve the cultural significance of the forest, the USFS said in a news release.
“It is with great joy and hope for the future in our hearts that we celebrate the latest step forward in restoring a portion of the illegally transferred lands back to the Leech Lake Ojibwe. On behalf of the Band, I want to express my gratitude to the Forest Service and Tribal staff collaborating behind the scenes to move this land transfer towards completion,” said Faron Jackson Sr., Chairman of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. "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."
"We understand the importance the land holds to the Band and will continue to work with the Band as we move through this process,” added Chippewa Forest Supervisor Michael Stansberry.
When choosing the parcels of land that would go back to the tribe, the goal was to honor private property rights and limit fragmentation of owner boundaries, according to a statement from the Chippewa National Forest.
To celebrate the return of forest land, the Leech Lake band will hold a commemorative celebration on July 17.
For more information and a map of the transferred land, click here.
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