Legacy funds might help Fond du Lac Band buy land
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A dispute may be resolved soon over using Legacy Amendment tax dollars help a tribe buy land on its own reservation.
The Fond du Lac Band is seeking $1.7 million to protect 440 acres near the St. Louis River, which include an 80-acre lake and 83 acres of wetlands. It's the first time a tribe has requested Legacy money to buy land within its reservation.
The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council voted against it last month. But the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the leading opponent, Rep. Denny McNamara, now supports the project.
McNamara thought it would set a bad precedent to spend Legacy dollars on land where treaty hunting and fishing rights apply. But he switched after learning treaty rights already apply to other lands bought earlier with Legacy funds.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.