Bill > S622

This bill proposes amendments to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act to expand land transfer provisions for the Leech Lake Tribe in Minnesota. Specifically, the bill allows for the transfer of additional federal land in the Chippewa National Forest, including parcels that historical records show were sold without the unanimous consent of the rightful landowners. The Secretary of Agriculture can now substitute alternative National Forest System land in Cass County on an acre-for-acre basis, with a preference for land adjacent to existing Tribal trust lands or lands of cultural importance. The bill allows for land transfers to occur on a rolling basis as suitable parcels are identified and surveyed. An important provision reaffirms that existing hunting, fishing, and recreation rights for non-Tribal members will remain unchanged by these land transfers. The Secretary of Agriculture is required to provide opportunities for public engagement and comment during the implementation of these amendments, ensuring transparency in the land transfer process. The bill aims to address historical land ownership issues and provide additional land resources to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/622/all-info