USDA, Leech Lake Band renew Chippewa Forest co-stewardship agreement

CASS LAKE — The U.S. Forest Service and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe signed a new memorandum of understanding for co-stewardship of the Chippewa National Forest.

The October signing builds on a recently expired 2019 agreement and formalizes the consultation process for forest management decisions.

In a news release, Michael Stansberry said the groups will continue to work together to identify shared priorities focused on forest and watershed restoration, fish and wildlife habitat improvement, and the preservation of socially and culturally significant places.

“The overlap of boundaries and jurisdiction provides us with an opportunity to implement co-stewardship practices and enhance our partnership with the Band,” Stansberry said.

Leech Lake Chairman Faron Jackson Sr. said co-stewardship strengthens and supports the band’s goals for environmental protection, economic growth and preserving the tribe’s way of life.

"Together, we are committed to preserving our natural resources and cultural heritage, ensuring that our forests and waters remain healthy and abundant for future generations," Jackson said.

Congress created the Chippewa National Forest in the early 20th century from lands that had been set aside to serve as a treaty-guaranteed reservation for the Band.

Today, about 90% of the reservation lies within forest boundaries while 45% of the forest lies within the reservation.

“The challenges we face today go beyond forest and reservation boundaries, necessitating working closely to find new ways of doing business at a greater pace and scale to benefit resources and people,” said Tony Dixon, USDA Forest Service eastern regional forester.

“We acknowledge today’s signing with optimism about facing challenges as co-stewards, working collaboratively for the good of our resources and communities.”