Added protection for tribal waters will help our lakes

Released 2/8/2006 (Contact Tami Jackson lakeinfo @ wisconsinlakes.org)

Working together, Wisconsin businesses, local governments, and citizens have improved our state’s water quality. The Clean Water Act (passed in 1972) has helped Wisconsin communities improve public health through sewage and wastewater treatment upgrades and reduce pollution flowing into our waters.

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa wants to join the collaborative effort to protect lake and water resources, and is requesting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant it the authority to develop standards for the lakes, rivers, and wetlands on the reservation. The Lac du Flambeau band would follow the lead of tribes in Minnesota, Michigan, and other Wisconsin tribes who are successfully administering tribal waters under the Clean Water Act.

Lac du Flambeau tribal lands have a wealth of water resources enjoyed by tribal members, non-native residents, and an estimated 4000 summer tourists. Tribal administration of the Clean Water Act would apply public health protections other Wisconsin residents currently enjoy to the 260 lakes, more than 70 miles of streams, and 24,000 acres of wetlands on tribal lands.

Successful protection of Wisconsin's unique lakes depends on strong partnerships among local governments, lake groups, and citizens. Supporting tribal efforts to apply federal clean water standards to tribal waters will contribute positively to lake-rich Vilas County’s ongoing watershed and lake protection efforts.

“We are pleased that the tribe is seeking equal protection for water resources that flow in and out of tribal lands.” says Peter Murray, Wisconsin Association of Lakes Executive Director. “Good water quality benefits everyone. Healthy lakes help maintain lakefront property values, boost the greater communities’ tax bases, and support income generated by visiting tourists.”