1/10/2025

LAC DU FLAMBEAU -Although Roads Aren’t Closed, Tensions in Lac du Flambeau Increase

Concrete barriers have once again been seen on the side of roads in Lac du Flambeau that have been at the center of a two-year-long dispute between the town of Lac du Flambeau and the Band of Lake Superior Chippewa over expired easements for Elsie Lake Lane, Center Sugarbush Lane, East Ross Allen Lake Lane and Annie Sunn Lane. Those roads pass through tribal lands to private homes and almost two years ago to the month the first barricades went up blocking resident access. More than 70 homeowners rely on those roads to reach their homes. A letter from the tribal council in early December invited the town to come together to continue a dialogue. The town chair sent a letter in early January stating that the town’s legal counsel advised against meeting with the tribal council due to the sensitive nature of the litigation involving the two entities. A federal judge last year issues an injunction and stated that it was the courts expectation that the roads remain open during litigation and that the court would consider extending that injunction to include the tribe or Bureau of Indian Affairs if action were taken before a final ruling in the case.