DNR/White Earth Memo Of Understanding

ST. PAUL, MN—The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and White Earth Nation have come to an agreement on natural resource management in the White Earth State Forest.  At a ceremony at the State Capitol Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz and members of the White Earth Tribe sent a memorandum of understanding to formalize the long-term relationship for managing land, water, fish and wildlife inside the White Earth State Forest.  While the DNR and White Earth Tribe have had a long history of cooperation when it comes to management of the White Earth State Forest, nothing had ever been formally documented until now.  White Earth Nation Tribal Chairman Michael Fairbanks said “the MOU represents a critical step toward restoring Tribal cultural, historical and environmental values.  This agreement establishes a framework for collaborative management, ensuring Tribal care of our homelands and decisions that reflect cultural responsibilities and stewardship.”  Among the specific areas of coordination documented in the agreement are aquatic invasive species prevention, fisheries, forestry, lands, water resources, wildlife, and wild rice.