Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2024

The Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2024 authorizes a land swap between the U.S. Forest Service and a private landowner, Big Winnie Land and Timber, LLC, within the Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota. Under this bill, the Forest Service would transfer approximately 17.5 acres of federal shoreline to the private owner in exchange for approximately 36.7 acres of nearby private land.

For everyday citizens and local residents, this bill is designed to provide permanent stability for Bowen Lodge and its marina, which currently operates on the federal land under a temporary lease. By securing the shoreline for the lodge, the bill aims to ensure continued public access to Lake Winnibigoshish for fishing and recreation while expanding the total acreage of the National Forest for public management. The exchange must be of equal value, and the private owner is responsible for all closing and environmental assessment costs.