Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 1657, the Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2024. Lake Winnibigoshish, or Lake Winnie as it is also known, is located within the boundaries of the Chippewa National Forest and is home to Bowen Lodge, a premier, family-owned fishing lodge. Bowen Lodge has been in operation and welcoming patrons since 1925. For the past four decades, Bill and Gail Heig and their family have operated Bowen Lodge, serving as incredible stewards of Lake Winnie and providing incredible fishing and vacation memories for Minnesotans and other out-of-towners over the years. Currently, Bowen Lodge has a 20-year agreement with the U.S. Forest Service to lease 17\1/2\ acres of shoreline along the lake, where they operate their marina. Under the Heigs' stewardship, Lake Winnie has remained accessible to the citizens of Itasca County and the many people who visit. Notably, the Heigs purchased extra acreage in 2021 after an out-of- State mega-resort developer sought to purchase a parcel of land, which would have changed the face of Lake Winnie forever. Now, Bowen Lodge is seeking to convey this extra acreage to the Chippewa National Forest. It is in the best interest of the public that the Forest Service take stewardship of this land, rather than out-of-State developers that may not prioritize public access for our local community.…”