MN HF4304

Commissioner of Natural Resources must convey all state-owned land within White Earth State Forest boundaries to the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe at no cost by August 1, 2029, excluding school trust land and tax-forfeited land held in trust for local governments.

Tax-forfeited land parcels located within White Earth State Forest boundaries must first be offered for sale to the White Earth Band before being offered to any other party.

Commissioner must establish a White Earth State Forest Transfer Task Force by October 1, 2024, with seven members representing the White Earth Band, Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division, local governments, and other parties to recommend policy and law changes facilitating land transfers.

Task Force may recommend policy, law changes, and appropriations to facilitate transfer of school trust land, tax-forfeited land, and municipal, county, and federal land within the forest to the White Earth Band.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 89.021, subdivision 54 (White Earth State Forest) is repealed.