Barricade on Lac du Flambeau reservation (Photo: Dave Miess)
MADISON, WI (WSAU) – A federal judge in Madison has turned down an injunction that would have removed barricades on the Lac du Flambeau reservation.
The action came after 28 homeowners sued the tribe, saying the barricades block the roads that lead to their properties.
The tribe is in a long-running dispute with title companies and the town over access to roads on trial land. Easements that allowed landowners to use the roads expired a decade ago. The parties have been unable to come to an agreement.
Judge William Conley declined an immediate injunction to remove the barricades, although he will allow the lawsuit to move forward. His ruling said, “Plaintiffs have not shown that injunctive relief is warranted without giving defendants an opportunity to be heard.”
The landowners have until March 14 to file additional legal briefs in the case. The tribe has until March 28 to respond.
Homeowners who can no longer drive to and from their homes have been walking across a frozen lake to get to their properties. They say soon the ice will be unsafe.
Comments