Becker County Looks to Hire Lobbyist to Oppose White Earth Land Transfers

Becker County is once again considering hiring a lobbyist to oppose efforts in the Minnesota Legislature to transfer state-owned lands to the White Earth Nation.
County officials are concerned that state lawmakers, particularly those from the Twin Cities metro area, are pushing for land transfers without local input. In response, Becker County, along with Mahnomen and Clearwater counties, is weighing a joint lobbying effort to ensure their concerns are heard in St. Paul.
Lower Cost, Same Goal
Last year, Becker County initially approved hiring a lobbyist at a cost of up to $15,000 after a bill surfaced that would have transferred the 155,000-acre White Earth State Forest to the White Earth Nation. The county is now looking at a scaled-back lobbying effort, costing $5,000 per month while the Legislature is in session. Becker County would cover $3,000 per month, while Mahnomen and Clearwater counties would contribute $1,000 each.
“We need (a lobbyist) to get to those ears,” said Commissioner Barry Nelson. “Yes, terrible things happened in the past, but two wrongs don’t make a right.”
Concerns Over Legislative Process
The Becker County Board fears that future land-transfer bills could be introduced with little notice, much like the previous effort to transfer White Earth State Forest. “Nobody was even aware of it,” Nelson said. “Things can pop up just like that.”
Some commissioners have questioned why statewide organizations like the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) have not taken up the cause. Nelson responded that the issue is too controversial for full statewide support.
White Earth Nation’s Perspective
White Earth tribal leadership has defended the proposed land transfers, stating they would help rectify historical injustices and that the lands would remain open for public use.
For now, Becker County’s next step is determining whether to move forward with a lobbyist, with final approval expected in the coming weeks.