1836 Treaty

Dispute over Access to Straits of Mackinac

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

From the Petoskey News-Review:

In a pending lawsuit, the owners of a Wawatam Township lot are seeking ownership of an adjacent strip of property that the public often uses to access the Straits of Mackinac.

The legal efforts have raised concerns from county and township officials about the potential loss of public water access.

“What we don’t want to do is, we don’t want it to fall into the hands of a private owner,” said Wawatam supervisor Roger Moore. “We want to keep it so it would be accessible to the public like it always has.”

Adjoining landowner Ralph Reisinger said he’s looking for a way to control illegal activities by visitors rather than putting the spot off limits. He noted that some of the people who’ve visited the area at the end of the road have engaged in activities such as littering and building unauthorized campfires on his lot and setting off illegal fireworks.

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AP: Michigan Tribes Object to Michigan Water Legislation

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

From the AP:

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — An American Indian tribe says bills pending in the Legislature to regulate high-volume water withdrawals would violate its rights by reducing fish populations in some rivers and streams.

Officials with other northern Michigan tribes also are raising concerns about the measures, pending in the House and Senate. The two versions are similar, but have differences that sponsors are trying to work out before floor votes are taken.

The bills would regulate withdrawals of more than 200,000 gallons per day from rivers and streams — or from underground aquifers — for commercial uses such as farming and manufacturing.

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Grand Traverse Band Opposition to Michigan Water Withdrawal Legislation

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Thanks to Bill Rastetter.

GTB Letter to House

GTB Letter to Senate

Soo Tribe Board Officially Approves Inland Settlement

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

From the Soo Evening News: “The final piece of the puzzle appears to be in place as all five tribes have officially agreed to the 2007 Inland Hunting and Fishing Decree paving the way for an upcoming date in federal court.

“The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors put the official stamp of approval on the deal Sunday during a special meeting. Reports indicate that two board members – Robert LaPointe and Shirley Petoskey – voted against the measure. Denise Chase was reportedly absent for the session and did not weigh in, while the rest of the board members approved the agreement.

“The tribe’s membership had overwhelmingly approved the agreement last week 3,476-678 in a special referendum.

“The other four tribes affected by the Treaty of 1836 had already approved the agreement with the State of Michigan defining inland hunting and fishing rights in perpetuity.”