Contact Congress about H.R. 197: Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2025

Big Winnie Land and Timber would trade about 36.7 acres to the United States. In return, it would get about 17.5 federal acres, while the Forest Service keeps road access across that land.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2025 is a Senate bill waiting for floor action. The latest recorded action: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 218.

Latest action on H.R. 197: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 218.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects Big Winnie Land and Timber, the U.S. Forest Service, and people who use or live near the Chippewa National Forest. The company would gain one federal parcel and give up a larger private parcel. The Forest Service would add land to the national forest but transfer away a smaller federal parcel. Local residents, recreation users, and nearby land users could see changes in ownership, access, or land management, though the bill does not spell out those practical changes.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it would change who owns and manages specific land near Lake Winnibigoshish. More acres would move into the Chippewa National Forest. A smaller federal parcel would move into private hands. That can affect future choices about access, habitat, timber, recreation, and road use. The bill gives a clear process for this one deal, but it does not fully explain how daily use of the land would change.

Key provisions in H.R. 197

• The bill creates a one-time land swap in Itasca County, Minnesota. The exchange would be between the U.S. Forest Service and Big Winnie Land and Timber.
• The federal parcel is about 17.5 acres. The private parcel is about 36.7 acres, as shown on the "Heig Land Exchange" map dated December 14, 2023.
• The Agriculture Secretary must finish the swap within one year. That clock starts after Big Winnie Land and Timber makes an offer that meets the bill's rules.
• The United States would keep road access across the federal parcel. This legal access, called an easement, lets the Forest Service reach other National Forest System land.
• An independent appraiser must value both parcels. The Forest Service and Big Winnie Land and Timber must agree on the appraiser, who must use federal appraisal standards.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 197

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 197

What is H.R. 197?

Big Winnie Land and Timber would trade about 36.7 acres to the United States. In return, it would get about 17.5 federal acres, while the Forest Service keeps road access across that land.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 197?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 197?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 197 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.