Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation mandates a land exchange in Itasca County, Minnesota, between the United States and Big Winnie Land and Timber, LLC (BWLT). It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey approximately 17.5 acres of Federal land within the Chippewa National Forest to BWLT in exchange for about 36.7 acres of non-Federal land . Upon BWLT's offer, the Secretary must accept it and transfer the Federal parcel within one year, reserving an easement for road access. The exchange is contingent on title approval, a satisfactory environmental assessment by BWLT, and BWLT covering all closing costs. The bill requires the exchange to be for equal value, with BWLT making a cash equalization payment if the Federal land is more valuable; any excess value of non-Federal land is considered a donation. All land values will be determined by independent appraisals following federal standards, and the acquired non-Federal land will be added to and managed as part of the Chippewa National Forest .
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H242-244)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 197.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H242-243)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H242-243)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Reported by Senator Boozman without amendment. Without written report.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 218.
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Forests, forestry, treesGeography and mappingLand transfersMinnesota
Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-197| House
| Updated: 10/27/2025
This legislation mandates a land exchange in Itasca County, Minnesota, between the United States and Big Winnie Land and Timber, LLC (BWLT). It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey approximately 17.5 acres of Federal land within the Chippewa National Forest to BWLT in exchange for about 36.7 acres of non-Federal land . Upon BWLT's offer, the Secretary must accept it and transfer the Federal parcel within one year, reserving an easement for road access. The exchange is contingent on title approval, a satisfactory environmental assessment by BWLT, and BWLT covering all closing costs. The bill requires the exchange to be for equal value, with BWLT making a cash equalization payment if the Federal land is more valuable; any excess value of non-Federal land is considered a donation. All land values will be determined by independent appraisals following federal standards, and the acquired non-Federal land will be added to and managed as part of the Chippewa National Forest .