Band clamps down on tribal land access

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa announced a new policy Monday that limits access to nearly all Band-owned lands on the reservation.

Over the upcoming months, the band will post lands with signs that read “No Trespassing, Fond du Lac Band permit required” along with additional information on how to obtain a permit. Band-owned lands are defined in the tribal policy as “all lands owned in fee or held in trust on the Fond du Lac Reservation for the Band, the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, or any allotment land where the Fond du Lac Band is part owner of that allotment.”

According to a press release issued Monday, the policy is part of the Band’s effort to better manage and conserve its resources.

“For us, these lands, waters, animals and plants are a source of food and medicine that are intrinsic elements of our way of life, which is why it is so important for us to strike a balance between usage and natural renewal processes,” said Reservation Business Committee Chairman Kevin DuPuis. “We also recognize these resources provide appealing recreational opportunities for people outside our band, which is why we welcome the general public to utilize the permitting system to access Band-owned land in a responsible way that helps us protect these sensitive habitats.”

According to the new policy, which committee members passed in April, in order to access Band-owned land, an individual must have one of the following:

• A Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation and Ceded Territory Hunting-Fishing-Gathering card; or

• A Fond du Lac Reservation Hunting/Fishing/Gathering/Trapping License, issued to an enrolled Indian residing on the Reservation; or

• A permit to access Band-owned lands.

According to the new policy, an individual can get a permit at no charge if they are the spouse or a descendent of a Fond du Lac Band member or part owner of an allotment on the Reservation.

The burden of proof lies with the individual to establish that they are indeed an allotment owner or an individual who is the spouse or descendent of a Fond du Lac Band member. The Resource Management Division may rely on any available evidence in determining the eligibility.

For people who do not meet the criteria, a permit fee of $25 will be assessed for 30 day permit and a permit fee of $100 will be assessed for a one-year permit. Permits will be issued by the Resource Management Division, as authorized by the Resource Management Director.

According to the press release, there will be exceptions to the posting policy.

In particular, all lands acquired over the past several years with funding from the Outdoor Heritage Fund will still be open to the general public for outdoor recreation. The new policy will not affect any existing easements or agreements in place for such things as ski or snowmobile trails on the Reservation.

Those with a permit still have to follow existing laws for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. The press release issued Monday stressed that an individual’s ability to engage in outdoor activities is governed by other applicable laws, such as the Band’s conservation code or state hunting laws.

“This policy is about taking proactive steps to ensure that traditions centered around hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering remain viable and sustainable customs on these precious lands for current and future generations,” said Thomas Howes, Natural Resources program manager of the Fond du Lac Band. “Over the years, we have seen an enormous amount of stress placed on these fragile ecosystems. Issues such as illegal garbage dumping, increased ATV traffic, and overall growth in population have the potential to take their toll on wildlife and vegetation.”

As part of the posting process, the Band’s Resource Management staff will begin issuing monthly and annual permits to the general public for access to tribal land at the cost of $25 for a monthly permit or $100 for a one-year permit.

The band will prohibit certain activities such as overnight camping, leaving a fire unattended, harvest of timber or non-timber forest products, etc. These prohibitions will be listed on the permit and communicated to permit holders at the time of permit issuance.

As part of the policy passed by the RBC, the Resource Management Director may revoke a permit if the person fails to comply with Band laws and regulations, fails to comply with instructions from Resource Management Division or Law Enforcement Division staff, or takes any action that is a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Find a map of Fond du Lac and public lands within the Reservation boundaries at: http://www.fdlrez.com/RM/downloads/FDL_LandsMap_Small_08302019.pdf