Summary

Allows the Secretary to transfer additional National Forest System land to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and to substitute alternative federal forest lands on an acre-for-acre basis, while updating paperwork and implementation procedures. The Forest Service must provide public engagement and comment as it carries out these transfers, and state hunting, fishing, and recreation laws protecting non‑Tribal members remain in force.

Key Points

• Expands the federal National Forest System land eligible for transfer to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
• Allows the Secretary to substitute alternative federal forest land on an acre-for-acre basis when transferring land to the Tribe.
• Updates paperwork and implementation procedures for land transfers and substitutions.
• Requires the Forest Service to provide public engagement and an opportunity for public comment during implementation.
• Affirms that state laws protecting hunting, fishing, and recreation rights for non‑Tribal members continue to apply to the lands involved.
• Shifts management and ownership of specified federal parcels to the Tribe once transfers are completed.
• Does not create new federal spending, tax changes, or emergency designations—focuses on land conveyance authority and process.

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