CASS-MORE, Minn. – Approximately 11,778 acres of national forest lands are being returned to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
U.S. Forest Service Regional Ranger Tony Dixon signed a decision memo Thursday transferring land currently managed by the Chippewa National Forest. The move is part of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act which was signed into law in December 2020.
The restored lands will help the band invest in future generations with economic and residential development, the US Forest Service says.
“We understand how important the land is to the Band and will continue to work with the Band as we move through this process,” said Chippewa Forest Supervisor Michael Stansberry.
Leech Lake Band Chairman Faron Jackson Sr. praised the historic restoration and said the band is celebrating the latest step forward in restoring some of the illegally transferred lands.
“This is one of the most monumental and positive developments to occur on Leech Lake since the first treaties were signed and the reservation was established in 1855,” Jackson said.
The Forest Service and the band worked together to identify the parcels that were being transferred. The intention was to limit the fragmentation of property lines while respecting private property rights, the forest service said.
A memorial ceremony will be held by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe on July 17.
