Minnesota State Senate panel delays bill on transfer of White Earth State Forest

(St. Paul, MN)  --  A bill that would have paved the way to transferring state forest land to the White Earth tribal nation is being tabled in the state Senate.  

Lawmakers on the Senate Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee listened to testimony from tribal leaders, community members and local elected officials yesterday.  

Many told the panel that they feared any transfer of land in the White Earth State Forest northeast of Fargo would hamper future recreation and residential access.  

Even though the bill was set aside yesterday, it could be taken up again later in this year's session.