Land sacred to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is undergoing restoration efforts at the end of Wisconsin Point in Superior. An opening celebration was held on Wednesday, Sept. 18 on the shoreline of Lake Superior. Members of both the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve were present.
“This a two-year restoration planning process that includes three parts- a cultural survey conducted by the Fond du Lac Band which helps understand history, connection and important plants, animals and habitats in an Ojibwe context,” said Deanna Erickson, the director of Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. “The planning process will take two years, then we will seek funding to complete the restoration that was designed. My hope would be that the restoration is complete within 5-6 years.”
The 10.9 acres of regained Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has received just under $340,000 to restore the end of Wisconsin Point. As printing, the buildings in the southwest corner have been removed.
Photo contributed by UW-Superior News.
The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa regained the Gibiskisins Minis (land bridge, in reference to Wisconsin Point) in 2017 and leaders have since been developing ideas on how to restore it.
“It was a stopping point, seasonal village, fishing, ricing and hunting area, homestead, cemetery and port for thousands of years and is deeply valued by both Ojibwe and non-Indigenous people,” said Erickson. “Great Lakes coastal dunes are relatively rare ecosystems that are important for migration, wetland protection and habitat for rare plants.”
Earlier this year, the LSNERR received nearly $350,000 to create a plan for the restoration and future stewardship of the 10.9-acre land. The money will go towards removing invasive plant species, updating maintenance on trails, planting native plant species, and cleaning up the land.
The restoration planning project was selected for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding through the National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration’s Office for Coastal Management. The funding covers an archeological and cultural survey and an engagement process to create restoration design that meets community needs. Surveys will be integrated into construction documents and a plan for the area will be created over the next two years.
