Chippewa National Forest land transfer passes out of Senate committee

DEER RIVER — Minnesota’s U.S. Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar voted to pass the bipartisan Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act out of the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The legislation will exchange about 37 acres from Bowen Lodge for 17.5 acres managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Chippewa National Forest.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Pete Stauber of the 8th District and has already passed the House.

Lake Winnie is located in the Chippewa National Forest and is home to Bowen Lodge.

“I’m glad to see legislation facilitating this land exchange — which is supported by the local community, including the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe — move forward in the Senate,” Smith stated in a release. 

“Bowen Lodge and the Heig family are committed to the preservation of public recreational access and thoughtful stewardship of this beautiful area, and the passage of this bill will be a boon for the entire Itasca County community.” 

Currently, Bowen Lodge has a 20-year agreement with the Forest Service to lease acreage along the shoreline of the lake.

“This land transfer provides permanent access to the marina and lakeshore of Lake Winnibigoshish,” Klobuchar stated. “This is a win for Itasca County residents, our public lands, and Minnesota’s outdoor recreation economy.”

In exchange, Bowen Lodge would convey nearby acreage that would then be added to the national forest.