WHITE EARTH — The White Earth Nation will join other tribal nations and environmental groups in a federal lawsuit defending a new Environmental Protection Agency rule mandating states to consider the treaty rights of water-dependent tribal nations.
The new EPA rule went into effect in June and set up a specific process for states to consider the vested rights of tribal members in water management decisions.
Attorneys general in a dozen states — including North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa — filed the lawsuit earlier this month, claiming the EPA’s rule oversteps its authority to administer the Clean Water Act.
The reserved rights of tribal members include the rights to hunt, fish and gather on ceded territories outside reservation boundaries, including wild rice waters off-reservation.
The new EPA rule now requires states to include tribal input on water management decisions on ceded territories.
“Our treaties are not just historical documents; they are living agreements that must be honored in today’s policies and practices,” said Michael Fairbanks, chairman of the White Earth Band, in a news release.
Funding for this environmental story was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
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And: Highway 7 near Iron will be closed for about five days starting Monday; and the U of M seeks nominations from NW MN for Growing Local Leadership course. -
Megan Buffington/KAXENevis Public School reported the student for threatening to bring a gun to school on Sept. 11, 2025. -
Contributed/Minnesota DNRThe Cook County/Grand Marais Joint Economic Development Authority is seeking 12-15 members from Cook and Lake counties to serve on an advisory committee for the Taconite Harbor Redevelopment Project. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBeltrami County is proposing a 41% reduction in community funding for libraries in Blackduck and Bemidji, as well as the Beltrami County Historical Society and Paul Bunyan Transit, for the 2026 budget. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer talks fall colors, fuzzy caterpillars and hummingbird migration. -
The cost is 40 cents per pound for businesses and billing will be accomplished through the landfill office on Sept. 18, 2025. Computer equipment and other electronics are accepted. -
Events this week include Flapjack Festival in Brainerd, 'Annie' in Pequot Lakes, Open Mic Night in Park Rapids, Starapalooza at Long Lake Conservation Center and the Fall Bazaar in Buhl. -
Plus: Walz appointed a Roseau County attorney to be the next Ninth District judge; a new study from the U of M School of Public Health found that access to obstetric care across the country has declined, hitting rural communities the hardest; the Superior National Forest will begin prescribed burns this week; and Paul Bunyan Communications says progress is on track for its broadband expansion projects in St. Louis and Itasca counties.
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Contributed/USDA Forest ServicePrescribed burning will begin in the eastern portion of the forest in the Gunflint and Tofte ranger districts, with burns in the western part slated when weather conditions allow. -
Contributed/Commission on Judicial SelectionRoseau County Assistant Attorney Michael Grover will assume the bench in Roseau upon the retirement of Judge Donna K. Dixon in the 9th Judicial District.
