House Approves Stauber’s Land Exchange Bill

Washington, D.C. - This week, the United States House of Representatives unanimously approved Congressman Pete Stauber’s (MN-08) legislation, the Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2024. Congressman Stauber released the following statement: 

“The successful stewardship of Lake Winnie is a testament to Minnesotans’ love for nature and commitment to conservation. In the Northland, we understand that access is key for recreation and the growth of our rural economies. This land exchange will ensure Minnesotans have access to Lake Winnie for generations to come and help the Chippewa National Forest achieve its management goals.

My legislation puts the right acreage under the right management and protects our traditions of boating, fishing, and recreating up north. I am proud to see my bill pass the House, and I hope the United States Senate will take action soon.”

Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) said the following: “Congressman Stauber has always been a champion for Minnesota’s communities and local economies. His legislation that passed out of the House facilitated a critical land exchange that will help a small business in his district and support outdoor recreation opportunities for all who live near and recreate on and around Lake Winnibigoshish.”

Background:

Lake Winnibigoshish, also known as Lake Winnie, is located in the Chippewa National Forest and is home to Bowen Lodge. Bowen Lodge is a fishing lodge currently run by Bill and Gail Heig, who have served as incredible stewards of Lake Winnie and provided fishing and recreation opportunities to the local community.

Currently, Bowen Lodge has a 20-year agreement with the United States Forest Service (USFS) to lease acreage along the shoreline of Lake Winnie, where the Heigs operate their marina. Under their stewardship, Lake Winnie has remained accessible to the citizens of Itasca County.

Stauber’s bill will facilitate a land exchange between Bowen Lodge and the USFS, providing Bowen Lodge permanent access to the lakeshore and marina, along with greater certainty for the greater Itasca County community. In exchange for this land, Bowen Lodge would convey nearby acreage to the USFS, which would then be added to the Chippewa National Forest.

In September 2023, the House Natural Resources Committee’s Federal Lands Subcommittee held a legislative hearing to evaluate the bill. At that hearing, the subcommittee heard testimony from Itasca County Commissioner Cory Smith, who testified on the broad local support for Stauber’s bill, along with the benefits that this land exchange would provide Minnesotans, particularly the citizens of Itasca County.