Stauber’s Lake Winnie land exchange bill passes U.S. House

It’s the first bill from a member of Minnesota’s congressional delegation to pass the 119th Congress.

WASHINGTON, D.C./January 22, 2025 —The House of Representatives passed Congressman Pete Stauber’s (MN-08) Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act to exchange 36.7 acres owned by Bowen Lodge for 17.5 acres managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Chippewa National Forest. This is Congressman Stauber’s first bill to pass the House in the 119th Congress.

 “This land exchange is a win-win, which is why it passed out of the House with unanimous support,” said Stauber of the legislation’s passage. “It will grant the Bowen Lodge permanent access to the waterfront, ensuring that guests and residents of Itasca County can partake in recreational opportunities for generations to come, all while helping the Chippewa National Forest achieve its management goals.”

“I urge the Senate to quickly pass this legislation and send it to the President’s desk,” he added.

Background:

Lake Winnibigoshish, also known as Lake Winnie, is located in the Chippewa National Forest and is home to Bowen Lodge. Bowen Lodge is a fishing lodge currently run by Bill and Gail Heig, who have served as incredible stewards of Lake Winnie, while also providing fishing and recreation opportunities to the local community.

Currently, Bowen Lodge has a 20-year agreement with the USFS to lease acreage along the shoreline of Lake Winnie, where the Heigs operate their marina. Under their stewardship, Lake Winnie has remained accessible to the citizens of Itasca County.

Stauber’s bill would facilitate a land exchange between Bowen Lodge and the USFS, providing Bowen Lodge permanent access to the lakeshore and marina, along with greater certainty for the greater Itasca County community.

In exchange for this land, Bowen Lodge would convey nearby acreage to the USFS, which would then be added to the Chippewa National Forest.

PHOTO: Lake Winnibigoshish was crowded during last year’s walleye opener. (Dennis Anderson/The Minnesota Star Tribune)