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DNR discusses Feb. 3 MOU with White Earth Nation covering White Earth State Forest
Summary
Ben Bergey of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources outlined a Feb. 3, 2026, Memorandum of Understanding with the White Earth Nation covering the White Earth State Forest and answered questions from county officials, state lawmakers and the public at Clearwater County's Feb. 10 meeting.
Ben Bergey, Northwest regional director for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, presented a Memorandum of Understanding he said was signed Feb. 3, 2026, by Minnesota DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen and White Earth Nation Chairman Michael Fairbanks that concerns management and the relationship of the White Earth Nation to the White Earth State Forest.
Bergey led a question-and-answer session with Clearwater County officials and attendees, addressing a wide range of subjects tied to the MOU. Present at the discussion were Senator Steve Green, Representative Bidal Duran, Clearwater County Land Department staff, a Long Lost Lake township official and members of the public.
The MOU, as described in the presentation, covers the entirety of the White Earth State Forest and defines how the White Earth Nation and the Minnesota DNR will interact regarding that forest. No formal county action on the MOU was recorded in the minutes; the presentation was informational and followed by commissioner and public questions.
The board did not vote on or adopt the MOU at the Feb. 10 meeting. The presentation concluded with the Q&A; the transcript records broad discussion but does not specify follow-up steps or a county directive.
