News release, Feb. 3



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*DNR News Release
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

Feb. 3, 2026




*For more information:*

Contact the DNR Information Center

by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





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*Minnesota DNR, White Earth Nation formalize working relationship with memorandum of understanding*

MOU puts in writing how the DNR, White Earth Nation collaborate on natural resources management on state owned, DNR-managed land within the White Earth State Forest

At a ceremony in the Minnesota State Capitol, leadership from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and White Earth Nation (Gaa-waabaabiganikaag) joined Gov. Tim Walz to sign a memorandum of understanding. The document formalizes the Minnesota DNR and White Earth Nation’s long-standing government-to-government relationship for managing land, water, fish, wildlife and other natural resources within the White Earth State Forest.

“Stewardship of our natural resources is a collective responsibility. We are proud to work alongside White Earth Nation and grateful for this strong and established partnership in conservation,” said Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “Formally memorializing our work together ensures we manage natural resources in a manner that reflects those shared responsibilities, distinct authorities, and common goals.”

While the Minnesota DNR and White Earth Nation have a long history of coordination and shared stewardship of natural resources, the details of this work hadn’t been formally memorialized or documented until now. The MOU aims to advance natural resource management and conservation on lands within the White Earth State Forest by enhancing information sharing, coordination and collaboration in alignment with state, federal, and Tribal laws.

“The MOU represents a critical step toward restoring Tribal cultural, historical and environmental values,” said White Earth Nation Tribal Chairman Michael Fairbanks. “This agreement establishes a framework for collaborative management, ensuring Tribal care of our homelands and decisions that reflect cultural responsibilities and stewardship.”

Among the specific areas of coordination documented in the agreement are aquatic invasive species prevention, fisheries, forestry, lands, water resources, wildlife, and wild rice.

Examples of coordination activities within White Earth State Forest that are outlined in the MOU include forest management planning initiatives and management activities on aquatic management areas and wildlife management areas. The Minnesota DNR will also continue coordination with White Earth on land sales, exchanges, and acquisitions prior to initiating any of those transactions. However, the document does not address White Earth Nation’s request for the transfer of state land to the Tribe.

The agreement also outlines coordination on setting seasons for waterfowl, deer, bear, small game, and furbearers and related management activities, including chronic wasting disease prevention and mitigation. The two parties will continue close coordination on wildfire response and communication and information-sharing, as needed, to ensure the protection of natural resources.

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minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  |  mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ]*

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