Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2025
Summary
The Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2025 authorizes a land exchange between the U.S. Forest Service and Big Winnie Land and Timber, LLC (BWLT) in the Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota. The act involves the exchange of approximately 17.5 acres of federal land for 36.7 acres of non-federal land. This exchange aims to consolidate land ownership and improve management of the Chippewa National Forest.
Expected Effects
The likely effect is the consolidation of land within the Chippewa National Forest. This could lead to more efficient management of the forest. It also provides BWLT with the federal land parcel.
Potential Benefits
- Consolidation of land ownership within the Chippewa National Forest, potentially leading to more efficient management.
- Improved public access to National Forest System land due to the easement for road access.
- Potential donation to the United States if the non-Federal land's appraised value exceeds the Federal land's value.
- Environmental assessment of the non-Federal parcel before acceptance, ensuring no environmental hazards are transferred to the U.S. Forest Service.
- Management of acquired land in accordance with laws pertaining to National Forest System lands.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for unequal value exchange if appraisals are not accurate, although cash equalization is required unless the US benefits.
- Costs associated with surveys, appraisals, and closing costs are borne by BWLT, but these costs could indirectly affect the overall value of the exchange.
- Possible delays in finalizing the exchange due to appraisal processes and title approvals.
- Limited direct economic benefit to the local community beyond land management efficiencies.
- Potential for disputes over the interpretation of the map and legal descriptions, although the map is designated as the controlling document.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Property Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2), which grants Congress the power to dispose of and regulate federal property. The land exchange serves a public purpose by consolidating land within a National Forest, which supports conservation and resource management. The act does not appear to infringe on any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).