Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025

This bill significantly amends the existing Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act. Its primary purpose is to provide for the transfer of additional Federal land to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, expanding upon previous land restoration efforts. Key provisions include broadening the definition of "Federal land" eligible for transfer to encompass parcels within the Chippewa National Forest in Cass County, Minnesota, that Bureau of Indian Affairs records indicate were sold without the unanimous consent of rightful landowners. The bill also introduces a mechanism for the Secretary and the Tribe to enter into an agreement to substitute alternative National Forest System land on an acre-for-acre basis, prioritizing lands adjacent to existing trust lands or those of cultural importance. These transfers can occur on a rolling basis as lands are identified and surveyed. Furthermore, the legislation explicitly reaffirms the applicability of Minnesota Statutes section 97A.151, ensuring that the hunting, fishing, and recreation rights of non-Tribal members remain unchanged by these land transfers. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, is also mandated to provide for public engagement and comment in accordance with applicable laws during the implementation of these amendments.