Minnesota land exchange in National Forest proposed by Stauber

U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) on March 17 introduced bipartisan legislation that would authorize a land exchange in Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest. 

“This land exchange is a win for Bowen Lodge, the Chippewa National Forest, and for recreators across Minnesota,” said Rep. Stauber, who sponsored the Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act, H.R. 1657, which would authorize the exchange of 38 acres owned by Bowen Lodge for 13.8 acres managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) within the Chippewa National Forest. 

“Exchanging shoreline on Lake Winnibigoshish for a parcel on Cut Foot Sioux Lake grants Bowen Lodge continuity in managing their marina and keeps the pristine shoreline intact for all Minnesotans to enjoy,” Rep. Stauber said. “This exchange is consistent with the Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) Comprehensive Plan, ensures certainty for Bowen Lodge, and helps the Chippewa National Forest reach its management goals.”

On three sides, the parcel borders the National Forest, with the remaining edge being the lake shoreline, according to information provided by Rep. Stauber’s staff, which noted that receiving the parcel would eliminate a “checkerboard pattern of land ownership” for USFS, while simultaneously remaining consistent with MHB’s conservation-oriented mission. 

The parcel that would be acquired by Bowen Lodge is already commercially zoned and contains a marina on Cut Foot Sioux Lake. Bowen Lodge leases the parcel annually from USFS for marina and resort operation. Acquiring the USFS-owned property on Cut Foot Sioux Lake would ensure ongoing resort operations for Bowen Lodge, as well as continued visitor and commercial activity on developed land, the information says.

The proposed exchange between Bowen Lodge and USFS is unanimously supported by local governing bodies, including the MHB and Itasca County, Minn., where both parcels are located.

U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) was among the four original cosponsors who joined Rep. Stauber in introducing the bill.