by Senator Jason Rarick and Representative Jeff Dotseth

One issue we’ve been hearing a lot about is the University of Minnesota Forestry Center in Cloquet and the proposed land transfer that would give that land back to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa tribe. The proposed transfer includes about 3,400 acres of land, which has been held by U of M for over a century. This has been an incredibly divisive topic for folks in that part of the state, many of which feel like they have been left in the dark throughout this process. We have heard from many local elected officials who have voiced concerns with the process, and we share many of their concerns.

The main point we struggle with is the lack of transparency throughout the entire process. This issue came up last year, and the entire process has felt incredibly rushed. That land has been used for years of forestry research, and much of it has also been open to the public. We believe those that have enjoyed access to the area should be made aware of what will happen to this land when the transfer is completed. It’s also important to note that we are talking about a taxpayer funded facility, which means the University should abide by transparency, and they should be working diligently to share information with the public. Though Fond du Lac is under no obligation to provide those details, the University should. As a taxpayer funded facility, it is their duty to share this information with anyone affected by the proposed transfer.

Due to the lack of transparency, many people in the area have felt cut out of the process. The transfer is a sizeable portion of land, that has not only been used for critical forestry research, but has also been used by the public for recreation purposes. We are sure that many people would have come out to engage on the issue if only the process were more open and transparent. Unfortunately listening sessions were only hosted recently, after many of the details had already been decided upon. Again, the lack of transparency is troubling.

There’s also a question of access – will folks even be able to access these lands after the transfer? This has been the primary research center for forestry education in Minnesota, and to have it wiped away does a disservice to all the good that the land has served over the last century.

We would also like to note that the University came to the Capitol this year asking for supplemental funding amounting to $46 million. The land value alone is between $25 and $75 million. Unfortunately, before they give it away, they have no interest in doing a full valuation of the land. If they chose to sell this land, at least half of their funding request could be met. The taxpayers shouldn’t be left with the bill for this request when there are clearly other means they can use to reach their goal.

This process could have been an opportunity to bring communities together in discussion rather than dividing them. Unfortunately, we got the opposite. This discussion just barely began in 2023, and it feels as though the entire process has been rushed. Not only was there not adequate time for community input, but the entire process has lacked transparency. We are sympathetic to the cause, but we truly believe this situation could have been handled in a much better way.

Signed,

Senator Jason Rarick
District 11

Representative Jeff Dotseth
District 11A