Tribe's Official Statement on Use of ATV/UTV's on the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation

Press Statement

LCO Tribal Government

Recently a notice was published on the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Website and Sawyer County Record causing confusion and concern for non-tribal members utilizing routes/trails within the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation. This notification will address the official position of the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band of Ojibwe and the use of recreational vehicles on reservation roads and trails.

Over the last decade, the rising interest in ATV/UTV recreation has steadily increased and become a proven economic stimulus to the Sawyer County tourism market. While the benefit for the local economy is clear, the proposed expansion of ATV/UTV use on all County, Town, and Tribal roadways within the reservation merits meticulous thought and consideration that reflect and ensure health, safety, and welfare of all our Sawyer County visitors and community members alike. The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board is dedicated to avoiding rash decisions and seeking positive outcomes.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Government is not opposed to providing access to all ATV/UTV guests or residents on the Lac Courte Oreilles reservation within the confines of maintaining road safety and rights of quiet enjoyment for LCO members and non-native community members alike. Attaining a balance for the Lac Courte Oreilles community is critical and the Tribal Governments final objective.

Government-to-Government discussions with Town of Bass Lake and Hayward officials have been initiated and will be on-going into the future. The Tribe intends to open dialogue with the other four Townships that reside within the exterior boundaries of the LCO reservation soon to discuss this issue.

In the meantime, the approved ATV/UTV trail/routes within the LCO reservation remain open for the enjoyment of everyone. Public notices will be disseminated at the conclusion of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governments analysis and decision. The Tribal Governing Board encourages safe and courteous operations on ATV/UTV marked routes/trails. The respect for our communities remains the highest priority of our tribe and our tribal land.