Superior Finalizes Wisconsin Point Land Transfer To Fond du Lac Band

All that's left is an act of Congress.  Literally.

Officials with the City of Superior are putting the final touches on the proposed land transfer of a parcel at Wisconsin Point to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.  The land includes Indigenous burial grounds.

Once finalized, the transfer would bring the land - that used to be controlled by t he Army Corps of Engineers - under control of the Fond du Lac Band.  Along with the Indigenous burial grounds, the parcel also includes a portion of St. Francis Cemetery.

According to an article in the Superior Telegram [paywall], the city is finalizing the survey mapping portion of the process.  That survey is being done to Wisconsin Point to facilitate the transfer.  The timetable for the survey looks to have it wrapped up within "roughly eight weeks".

But then there's the act of Congress to go through.

According to 2nd District Superior City Councilor Jenny Van Sickle:

"We are really, really close to seeing the light on these transfers. That work kind of triggers the federal process with moving it from a fee status to trust status, which is literally an act of Congress.  But I'm working with the senators across Minnesota and Wisconsin, they're all actively involved in petitioning the Secretary of the Department of Interior."

One lagging question that the Superior City Council about the eventual land transfer is the road out to Wisconsin Point.  What will happen to ownership and maintenance once the transfer is complete?  Van Sickle explains:

"As of right now, the road is not included, so the city is not in a position to ask for an easement.  That could change.  I just want us to be really clear: A road is asphalt and rocks, but we're talking about a cemetery."

Any further action needed would be presented to the Superior City Council for consideration.