Friends,

I have received numerous concerns with the transfer of the White Earth State Forest – mostly against this transfer of land. I have only received 7 in favor of the transfer. There has been information coming out that omits important facts. This column/open letter will deal only with the facts. Any comment on my part will come after receiving more feedback.

Roughly 135 years ago, Tribal communities were given the option to keep the Reservations closed. This would keep the land in possession in a federal trust. The other option would have divided the land between individual members. Two Tribal communities elected for the closed option, while The White Earth leaders voted to divide the property among members. By the 1930’s many members chose to sell their property. History tells us these were hard times. People could not survive on the land and instead moved their families to areas that could support them.

Other parcels of land were either sold by guardians of minors or taken for reasons that were illegal. These properties were not signed off on. As a result, the title to these properties was deemed clouded. It was very contentious for good reason.

By the 1980’s this was brought to light in the Federal Government. White Earth Tribal leaders worked with the Federal Government to resolve the issue. In 1985 a bill had been agreed on between the Federal Government and the White Earth Tribal leaders who were in power at the time. The bill transferred 10,000 acres of land back to the Tribal community and a settlement of $6.6 million. Most members at the time were happy with the settlement. It was considered a victory. This agreement cleared all the titles in question. The $6.6 million made progress possible for the Shooting Star Casino.

The current bill proposes to transfer control of 155,393 acres within the White Earth State Forest to the white Earth Nation. This property consists of the following:

19,089.48 acres of land that belongs to White Earth
34,974.32 acres of private land (many acres of which are owned by Tribal members and descendants)
47,004.65 acres of tax forfeit lands controlled by 3 counties
Roughly 45,000 acres of State, Federal and other State land
9,436 additional acres

I have heard from over 300 people with numerous concerns over the transfer. Landowners are concerned they could be limited from accessing their homes. Counties worry over the loss of payments that come from the state. Revenue from this land supports seven public school districts as well as a wide variety of county services. It also is an important source of funding for the local hospitals. The State Forest is also a destination spot for hunters, hikers and snowmobilers. It is a lifeline for the local community. Many are clearly uncertain how this will affect access to lands.

I look forward to hearing more feedback and continuing the discussion on this bill. [email protected] or [email protected]