# INDIANS OF WISCONSIN > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Ast_croix_chippewa%3Ae60d580f15d1ab20 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN April 2022 ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN TRIBAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN PREPARED BY: ST. CROIX TRIBAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE WITH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FROM: NORTHWEST REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 1400 SOUTH RIVER STREET SPOONER, WI 54801 ADOPTED: X 2022 THIS PROJECT WAS FUNDED THROUGH THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM (HMGP), Disaster # FEMA-4276-DR-WI (Project #4288.06-P) ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and Background ............................................................................................................................... 1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Plan Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Plan Assurances .......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Plan Organization ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 Planning Process ........................................................................................................................... 2 FEMA 4-Step Planning Process ............................................................................................................................. 2 Community Profile........................................................................................................................ 8 History ............................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Geography .................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Climate ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Population ................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Housing....................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Economic Conditions ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Land Use ..................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Infrastructure and Community Services ................................................................................... 16 Solid Waste and Recycling .................................................................................................................................. 16 Wastewater Treatment .......................................................................................................................................... 16 Water Supply ............................................................................................................................................................ 16 Electric Power ........................................................................................................................................................... 17 Communications ..................................................................................................................................................... 17 Law Enforcement ..................................................................................................................................................... 17 Fire and Rescue ........................................................................................................................................................ 17 Health Care ................................................................................................................................................................ 17 Educational Facilities ............................................................................................................................................. 18 Critical and Vulnerable Facilities .............................................................................................. 19 St. Croix Tribe Critical Facilities .......................................................................................................................... 19 St. Croix Tribe Vulnerable Facilities .................................................................................................................. 20 St. Croix Tribe Historic Sites ................................................................................................................................ 21 Non-Tribal Critical and Vulnerable Facilities ................................................................................................ 21 Capability Assessment ................................................................................................................ 23 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Pre-Disaster Capabilities ...................................................................................................................................... 23 Post-Disaster Capabilities .................................................................................................................................... 23 Pre and Post-Disaster Resources ...................................................................................................................... 23 Federal Resources ................................................................................................................................................... 23 State Resources........................................................................................................................................................ 27 St. Croix Tribal Government ................................................................................................................................ 29 County Government............................................................................................................................................... 33 Towns........................................................................................................................................................................... 34 Other Agencies/Organizations .......................................................................................................................... 34 Planning Mechanisms and Capabilities .......................................................................................................... 36 Administrative and Technical Capabilities..................................................................................................... 37 Fiscal Capabilities .................................................................................................................................................... 37 Federal Assistance Programs .............................................................................................................................. 38 State Assistance Programs .................................................................................................................................. 42 Institutional Capabilities ....................................................................................................................................... 43 Tribal Land Use Controls ...................................................................................................................................... 43 -i- ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Development Trends ............................................................................................................................................. 43 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment ............................................................................. 44 Hazards Identified ................................................................................................................................................... 44 Natural Hazards Priority Matrix ......................................................................................................................... 45 Technological/Human-Caused Hazards Priority Matrix ........................................................................... 46 Natural Hazards........................................................................................................................... 47 Winter Storms........................................................................................................................................................... 47 Hazard Profile ...................................................................................................................................................... 47 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment .............................................................................................................. 54 Extreme Cold............................................................................................................................................................. 56 Hazard Profile ...................................................................................................................................................... 56 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment .............................................................................................................. 60 Extreme Heat ............................................................................................................................................................ 62 Hazard Profile ...................................................................................................................................................... 62 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment .............................................................................................................. 66 Infectious Disease ................................................................................................................................................... 68 Hazard Profile ...................................................................................................................................................... 68 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment .............................................................................................................. 73 Flooding...................................................................................................................................................................... 78 Hazard Profile ...................................................................................................................................................... 78 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment .............................................................................................................. 85 Ice Storms .................................................................................................................................................................. 89 Hazard Profile ...................................................................................................................................................... 89 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment .............................................................................................................. 90 Tornadoes .................................................................................................................................................................. 92 Hazard Profile ...................................................................................................................................................... 92 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment .............................................................................................................. 98 High Wind ................................................................................................................................................................ 102 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 102 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 106 Wildfire...................................................................................................................................................................... 111 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 111 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 114 Drought..................................................................................................................................................................... 120 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 120 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 122 Invasive Species ..................................................................................................................................................... 124 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 124 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 129 Hail.............................................................................................................................................................................. 131 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 131 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 131 Lightning .................................................................................................................................................................. 136 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 136 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 138 Erosion....................................................................................................................................................................... 141 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 141 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 143 Fog .............................................................................................................................................................................. 144 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 144 - ii - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 145 Dam Failure ............................................................................................................................................................. 147 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 147 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 147 Technological/Human-Caused Hazards ................................................................................. 151 Multiple Vehicle Accident .................................................................................................................................. 151 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 151 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 151 Illegal Drug Use and Cleanup........................................................................................................................... 153 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 153 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 158 Hazardous Materials Incidents ......................................................................................................................... 160 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 160 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 165 Active Shooter ........................................................................................................................................................ 170 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 170 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 172 Power Failure .......................................................................................................................................................... 174 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 174 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 174 Cyber-Attack ........................................................................................................................................................... 176 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 176 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 177 Utilities Failure........................................................................................................................................................ 179 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 179 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 180 Bomb Threat ........................................................................................................................................................... 182 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 182 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 182 Water Contamination .......................................................................................................................................... 184 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 184 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 186 Communications Disruption ............................................................................................................................. 188 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 188 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 189 Acts or Threats of Violence ............................................................................................................................... 191 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 191 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 191 Pharmaceutical Supply Shortage .................................................................................................................... 193 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 193 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 193 Civil Unrest............................................................................................................................................................... 195 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 195 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 196 Terrorism .................................................................................................................................................................. 197 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 197 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 199 Nuclear Incident .................................................................................................................................................... 201 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 201 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 202 - iii - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Aviation Incident ................................................................................................................................................... 207 Hazard Profile .................................................................................................................................................... 207 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 209 Mitigation Strategy ................................................................................................................... 210 Mitigation Goals .................................................................................................................................................... 210 Mitigation Action Plan......................................................................................................................................... 210 Plan Implementation and Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 219 Mitigation Action Prioritization ....................................................................................................................... 220 Plan Maintenance ...................................................................................................................... 229 Background ............................................................................................................................................................. 229 Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Plan ........................................................................................ 229 Annual Updates ..................................................................................................................................................... 230 Five Year Revisions (Required) ......................................................................................................................... 230 Continued Public Involvement ......................................................................................................................... 231 Plan Integration ..................................................................................................................................................... 231 Appendix .................................................................................................................................... 232 MAPS, FIGURES, AND TABLES Map 1: St. Croix Reservation Basemap ................................................................................................................. 10 Map 2: Structure Locations (Core Communities) ............................................................................................. 13 Map 3: St. Croix Tribe Critical and Vulnerable Facilities ................................................................................ 22 Map 4: Flood Hazards (Core Communities) ....................................................................................................... 87 Map 5: Tornado Paths (Fujita Scale Magnitude and Year) ............................................................................ 97 Map 6: Wildfire Cause (2016-2021) ..................................................................................................................... 113 Map 7: Wildfire Magnitude (2016-2021) ........................................................................................................... 115 Map 8: Dam Locations and Size............................................................................................................................ 148 Figure 1: Temperature Variation - Burnett County ............................................................................................ 9 Figure 2: Precipitation - Burnett County ................................................................................................................ 9 Figure 3: Snowfall - Burnett County ......................................................................................................................... 9 Figure 4: Wisconsin Winter Storm Events 1982-83 to 2020-21 ................................................................. 49 Figure 5: Wisconsin Blizzard Events 1982-83 to 2020-2021 ........................................................................ 50 Figure 6: Wisconsin Average Snowfall 1981-82 to 2020-21 ........................................................................ 54 Figure 7: Wind Chill Chart ......................................................................................................................................... 57 Figure 8: Wisconsin Extreme Cold Events 1982-83 to 2020-21.................................................................. 59 Figure 9: Minimum Low Temperature, Weather Stations Near St. Croix Reservation........................ 60 Figure 10: NOAA's National Weather Service Heat Index ............................................................................ 63 Figure 11: Wisconsin Heat Wave Days 1982-2020 .......................................................................................... 64 Figure 12: Wisconsin Heat Wave Events 1982-2020....................................................................................... 65 Figure 13: Maximum High Temperature Weather Stations Near St. Croix Reservation .................... 66 Figure 14: Confirmed Lyme Disease Cases per 100,000 Wisconsin Residents ..................................... 71 Figure 15: Pandemic Severity Assessment Framework .................................................................................. 74 Figure 16: Wisconsin Flood Events 1844-2020 ................................................................................................. 84 Figure 17: Wisconsin Ice Storm Events 1982-83 to 2020-21 ....................................................................... 89 Figure 18: Wisconsin Tornado Events 1844-2020............................................................................................ 93 Figure 19: Tornado Probabilities ............................................................................................................................ 99 Figure 20: Significant Tornado Probabilities.................................................................................................... 100 Figure 21:Wisconsin Severe Thunderstorm Wind Events 1844-2020..................................................... 103 Figure 22: Independence Day Downbursts ...................................................................................................... 104 - iv - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Figure 23: Wind Damage Swath Map – July 1, 2011 ..................................................................................... 105 Figure 24: Derecho Report – July 19-20, 2019 ................................................................................................ 106 Figure 25: Wind Probabilities ................................................................................................................................ 108 Figure 26: Significant Wind Probabilities .......................................................................................................... 108 Figure 27: Wildfire Causes 2016-2021 ............................................................................................................... 112 Figure 28: Wildfire Occurrences 2016-2021 .................................................................................................... 118 Figure 29: Climate Division 1 Palmer Drought Severity Index 1895-2020 ........................................... 121 Figure 30: Invasion Curve ........................................................................................................................................ 124 Figure 31: St. Croix Noxious Weeds Restoration Sites 2017...................................................................... 127 Figure 32: Wisconsin Severe Hail Events 1982-2020 .................................................................................... 132 Figure 33: Hail Probabilities ................................................................................................................................... 133 Figure 34: Significant Hail Probabilities............................................................................................................. 134 Figure 35: Wisconsin Lightning Events .............................................................................................................. 137 Figure 36: Total Lightning Density 2015-2020................................................................................................ 138 Figure 37: Mean Heavy Fog Days ......................................................................................................................... 145 Figure 38: Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory Heroin Cases ..................................................................... 155 Figure 39: Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory Fentanyl Cases .................................................................. 156 Figure 40: Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory Prescription Opioid Cases ............................................ 157 Figure 41: Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory Meth Cases ......................................................................... 158 Figure 42: Burnett County National Pipeline Mapping System ................................................................ 166 Figure 43: Barron County National Pipeline Mapping System ................................................................. 167 Figure 44: Polk County National Pipeline Mapping System ...................................................................... 168 Figure 45: Active Shooter Incidents .................................................................................................................... 172 Figure 46: Active Shooter Incidents .................................................................................................................... 173 Figure 47: Bomb Threat Incidents ........................................................................................................................ 182 Figure 48: WISCOM Tower Sites ........................................................................................................................... 188 Figure 49: Terrorism Incidents............................................................................................................................... 199 Figure 50: Locations of U.S. Nuclear Power Plants ........................................................................................ 201 Figure 51: Wisconsin Nuclear Power Plant Planning Zones ...................................................................... 203 Figure 52: International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale................................................................ 205 Table 1: St. Croix Tribal Member Population ..................................................................................................... 11 Table 2: Population...................................................................................................................................................... 11 Table 3: Population Forecasts ................................................................................................................................. 11 Table 4: Rental Homes & Apartment Buildings by Reservation Community ........................................ 12 Table 5: Housing Occupancy and Tenure ........................................................................................................... 14 Table 6: Income Levels and Poverty Rates.......................................................................................................... 15 Table 7: Average Annual Wage & Average Earnings Per Job ..................................................................... 15 Table 8: Winter Storm Descriptions ...................................................................................................................... 48 Table 9: Winter Storm Events .................................................................................................................................. 51 Table 10: Heavy Snow Events .................................................................................................................................. 52 Table 11: Extreme Cold Events ................................................................................................................................ 58 Table 12: Extreme Heat History .............................................................................................................................. 63 Table 13: Communicable Disease Occurrences ................................................................................................ 70 Table 14: Influenza Reported by Northern Region Antigen Sites ............................................................. 75 Table 15: Flood Probability Terms ......................................................................................................................... 86 Table 16: Flood Events ............................................................................................................................................... 86 Table 17: Ice Storm Events ........................................................................................................................................ 90 Table 18: The Enhanced Fujita Scale ..................................................................................................................... 92 Table 19: Burnett County Tornado Loss Estimates .......................................................................................... 94 -v- ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Table 20: Barron County Tornado Loss Estimates ........................................................................................... 95 Table 21: Polk County Tornado Loss Estimates ................................................................................................ 96 Table 22: Tornadoes Average Area Affected ..................................................................................................... 98 Table 23: Beaufort Wind Scale .............................................................................................................................. 107 Table 24: Thunderstorm Wind Loss Estimates ................................................................................................ 109 Table 25: Fire Magnitude Statistics 2016-2021 ............................................................................................... 114 Table 26: Fire Behavior Fuel Model Classifications (Anderson) ................................................................ 116 Table 27: Fire Regime Groups ............................................................................................................................... 117 Table 28: Palmer Classifications ........................................................................................................................... 121 Table 29: Potential Drought Impacts .................................................................................................................. 122 Table 30: Drought Magnitude ............................................................................................................................... 122 Table 31: Drought Probability ............................................................................................................................... 123 Table 32: Number of Unique Invasive Species Reported ........................................................................... 125 Table 33: Priority Terrestrial Invasive Plant Species by County ................................................................ 125 Table 34: Aquatic Invasive Species by County ................................................................................................ 126 Table 35: Tribal Youth Noxious Survey Results .............................................................................................. 128 Table 36: Hail Size Estimates ................................................................................................................................. 131 Table 37: Hail Loss Estimates ................................................................................................................................. 134 Table 38: Rated Dams Downstream Communities ........................................................................................ 149 Table 39: Dams by Hazard Rating........................................................................................................................ 149 Table 40: Motor Vehicle Accidents ...................................................................................................................... 151 Table 41: Hazardous Materials Incidents Burnett County........................................................................... 161 Table 42: Hazardous Materials Incidents Barron County ............................................................................ 162 Table 43: Hazardous Materials Incidents Polk County ................................................................................. 164 Table 44: Active Pipeline Mileage by County .................................................................................................. 166 Table 45: Internet Crime Complaints .................................................................................................................. 177 Table 46: Number of Drug Shortages by Year ................................................................................................ 194 Table 47: Aviation Accidents.................................................................................................................................. 207 Table 48: Aviation Incidents ................................................................................................................................... 208 - vi - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND PURPOSE The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin prepared this Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan (THMP) to evaluate the impacts of natural and technological/human-caused hazards and to protect people, tribal lands, and cultural assets. This plan demonstrates the St. Croix Tribe’s ongoing commitment to reduce risk and improve resiliency to natural hazard events. This plan serves as a guide to decision makers to direct hazard mitigation programs, activities, and resources. This plan was also developed to make the Tribe eligible for certain federal pre-disaster mitigation assistance grant funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). PLAN SCOPE The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin THMP addresses both natural and technological/human-caused hazards. The plan intended to address natural hazards such as winter storms, extreme temperatures, and flooding, along with technological/human-caused hazards such as hazardous materials incidents, energy emergencies, and terrorism. This plan conforms to the tribal requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), enacted on October 10, 2000. This act establishes a pre-disaster hazard mitigation program and new requirements for the national Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Section 322 of the act specifically addresses mitigation planning at the state, local, and tribal levels and establishes specific criteria for local planning. PLAN ASSURANCES This plan is prepared to comply with the requirements of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 (as amended by the DMA); all pertinent presidential directives associated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA; all aspects of 44 CFR pertaining to hazard mitigation planning and grants pertaining to the mitigation of adverse effects of disasters (natural, human-caused, and other); interim final rules and final rules pertaining to hazard mitigation planning and grants, as described above; all planning criteria issued by FEMA; and all Office of Management and Budget circulars and other federal government documents, guidelines, and rules. The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin assures that it will continue to comply with all applicable federal statutes and regulations in effect with respect to the periods for which it receives grant funding, including 2 CFR Parts 200 and 3002. The St. Croix Tribe will amend its plan whenever necessary to reflect changes in tribal or federal laws and statutes. PLAN ORGANIZATION Section 1: Introduction and Background Section 2: Planning Process Section 3: Community Profile Section 4: Infrastructure and Community Services Section 5: Critical and Vulnerable Facilities Section 6: Capability Assessment Section 7: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Section 8: Mitigation Strategy Section 9: Plan Maintenance Appendix A: Planning Process Documentation -1- ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN PLANNING PROCESS Development of the St. Croix Hazard Mitigation Plan began in October of 2020 under the guidance and direction of the St. Croix Emergency Management Department and the St. Croix Environmental/Natural Resources Department, in consultation with the Northwest Regional Planning Commission. Plan development followed a structured process which involved coordination with tribal offices, administration, and the public. FEMA 4-STEP PLANNING PROCESS The development of the St. Croix Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan followed FEMA guidance and was structured around the recommended four-step planning process. Step 1. Organize Resources – At the start, a state, tribe, or community should focus on assembling the resources needed for a successful mitigation planning process. This includes identifying and organizing interested stakeholders, as well as securing needed technical expertise. How was this completed? Committee Organization and Meetings The Tribal Emergency Response Committee (TERC), an already established committee with members selected from those Tribal Departments involved in hazard mitigation planning and/or disaster response and recovery, began work on development of the St. Croix Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan in the fall of 2020. The St. Croix Emergency Management Department and the St. Croix Environmental/Natural Resources Department served as the local leads for the development of this plan. The Environmental/Natural Resources & Utilities Director distributed notices and invitations for the initial kick-off meeting to the St. Croix Tribal Council, Tribal Departments, along with county and state agencies. There was a total of 9 planning meetings held between October of 2020 and March of 2022. All meetings were held on a virtual platform. Steering committee meeting documentation is provided in the Appendix. -2- ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN ST. CROIX TRIBAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE (TERC) Name Title/Department Title/Department Clifford Benjamin Director, St. Croix Emergency Management & Safety Sarah Slayton Melanie Connor Johnson Director, St. Croix Environmental/Natural Resources & Utilities Grants Administrator, St. Croix Tribal Grants Department & Secretary, St. Croix Tribal Economic Development Corporation Michaela Lowe Director, St. Croix Chippewa Housing Authority Gary Stoner Director, St. Croix Tribal Security Frank Taylor Chief of Police, St. Croix Tribal Police Department Ronnette Walters Occupational Health & Safety, St. Croix Casinos ST. CROIX TRIBAL COUNCIL St. Croix Tribal Council 2019-2021 Susan Lowe Chair Round Lake Francis Songetay Vice-Chair Sand Lake William Reynolds Secretary/Treasurer Sand Lake Thomas Fowler Representative Maple Plain Beverly Benjamin Representative Danbury St. Croix Tribal Council 2021-2023 William Reynolds Chair Sand Lake Thomas Fowler Vice-Chair Maple Plain Rick Benjamin Secretary/Treasurer Danbury Conrad St. John Representative Sand Lake Georgia Cobenais Representative Round Lake -3- ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Public Involvement Prior to the initial kick-off meeting in October of 2020, the TERC identified opportunities for public involvement and participation in the planning process. For purposes of this plan, the term “public” refers to Tribal Members or other persons not associated with Tribal Government or leadership. Public participation mechanisms used in the development of this plan included providing opportunities for public comment at all TERC meetings, news releases, and notice of draft plan availability at each of the four St. Croix Community Centers to solicit input on the draft plan. The draft plan was available for review and comment on the St. Croix Tribe website for a period of 30 days. Coordination with Other Departments, Agencies and Organizations The TERC recognized the need for broad agency and organizational support in the development of this hazard mitigation plan. In order to facilitate departmental, agency and organizational involvement, representatives from the following entities were invited to participate in the development of this plan either by contributing input at TERC meetings, being aware of planning activities through an email group, providing information to support the effort, or reviewing and commenting on the draft plan: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Tribal Council Tribal Administration St. Croix Casinos St. Croix Economic Development Corporation St. Croix Environmental/Natural Resources Department St. Croix Tribal Grants Department St. Croix Health & Human Services St. Croix Tribal Housing Authority St. Croix Tribal Police Department St. Croix Tribal Security St. Croix Tribal Utilities Department Burnett County Emergency Management Barron County Emergency Management Polk County Emergency Management Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission Northwest Regional Planning Commission Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wisconsin Emergency Management Federal Emergency Management Agency National Weather Service Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Health Service US Army Corps of Engineers US Environmental Protection Agency The following overlapping units of government were asked to review and comment on the draft hazard mitigation plan: • • • • • • • Burnett County Barron County Polk County Town of Swiss, Burnett County Town of Rusk, Burnett County Town of Siren, Burnett County Town of Dewey, Burnett County • • • • • • -4- Town of Lafollette, Burnett County Town of Sand Lake, Burnett County Town of Meenon, Burnett County Town of Maple Plain, Barron County Town of Georgetown, Polk County Town of Johnstown, Polk County ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Coordination with Existing Plans and Programs Development of the St. Croix Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan was coordinated with the policies, programs, and actions contained within several existing plans, studies, and reports. These were used to provide background information relative to the hazards identified and to provide policy and strategic guidance in the development of the hazard mitigation action plan. The following existing plans, studies, and reports were reviewed and incorporated where relevant: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Economic Impact of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin St. Croix Emergency Operations Plan St. Croix Integrated Resource Management Plan St. Croix Tribal Head Start Community Assessment Burnett County Comprehensive Plan Barron County Comprehensive Plan Polk County Comprehensive Plan Burnett County Hazard Mitigation Plan Barron County Hazard Mitigation Plan Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan Northwest Wisconsin Regional Comprehensive Plan Jackson-Webb Lake Community Wildfire Protection Plan Town of Swiss Comprehensive Plan Town of LaFollette Land Use Plan Town of Meenon Comprehensive Plan Town of Sand Lake Comprehensive Plan Wisconsin Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan State of Wisconsin Hazard Mitigation Plan Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Hazard Mitigation Plan Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Hazard Mitigation Plan Emergency Preparedness Handbook for Tribal Governments Tribal Wildfire Resource Guide Northwest Wisconsin Flood Impact Study State and Federal Program Integration The development of this plan is the first step taken by the St. Croix Tribe towards improving community resiliency from natural and technological/human-caused hazards. This plan was completed in accordance with the FEMA Tribal Mitigation Planning Handbook and when approved, will enable the Tribe to be eligible for hazard mitigation assistance funding through FEMA. The St. Croix Tribe currently does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). One of the initiatives identified within this plan is to explore the costs and benefits associated with future participation in the NFIP. -5- ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Step 2. Assess Risks – The state, tribe, or community needs to identify the characteristics and potential consequences of hazards. It is important to understand what geographic areas different hazards might impact and what important people, property, or other assets might be vulnerable. How was this completed? Hazard Identification and Ranking The TERC identified relevant natural and technological/human-caused hazards affecting the Tribe. A “Hazard Priority Matrix” was completed in order to rank and prioritize each of the hazards based on a numerical weighting system on a series of nine criteria: • • • • • • • • • Probability - Likelihood of occurrence Human Impact - Possibility of death or injury Property Impact - Physical losses or damage Business Impact - Interruption of business services Duration - Length of the event, including recovery Warning Time - Length of time to prepare or evacuate Area Affected - Size of the area affected by the hazard Preparedness - Level of preplanning in advance of the event Response Capability - Time, effectiveness, and resources available to respond Hazard Prioritization and Profiling Once hazards were identified, ranked, and prioritized, each hazard was researched to collect locally relevant data on historical occurrences and past losses. Each hazard was profiled by providing background information about the nature of the hazard. Statistical information on hazard occurrence was compiled using data from a wide range of federal, state, and local sources. Where sufficient data was available, maps were produced depicting the location and magnitude of hazard events. Hazard profiles for the natural and technological/human-caused hazards identified by the TERC are found in the “Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment”. Risk Assessment A risk assessment was conducted for each of the profiled hazards using the best available data (spatial and tabular). The population, buildings, cultural resources, and critical and vulnerable facilities at potential risk were considered as part of the risk assessment. All hazards were assessed using the following evaluative criteria: • • • • • • • • • Risk - Level of danger posed by the hazard. Risk is defined numerically by the weighted formula used in the hazard priority matrix Magnitude - Size or extent of the hazard impact area Duration - Length of time of the event, including secondary impacts and recovery time Area Affected - Geographic area or region affected by the hazard Frequency - Rate at which the hazard occurs Probability - Likelihood of the event occurring Vulnerability - Level of exposure to the hazard Economic Impacts - Effects on the level of economic activity in the area Human Impacts - Likelihood of death or injury due to hazard -6- ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Capability Assessment A capability assessment was conducted to determine the Tribe’s ability to implement a comprehensive mitigation strategy and to identify potential opportunities for establishing or enhancing mitigation policies, programs, or projects. The capability assessment is also intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the agencies; organizations, plans and regulatory instruments available to assist in future hazard mitigation and emergency response efforts. Step 3. Develop a Mitigation Plan – Based on an understanding of risk, the state, tribe, or community then needs to determine what their priorities should be and develop long-term strategies for avoiding or minimizing the undesired effects of disasters. The product is a mitigation plan and implementation approach. How was this completed? Mitigation Strategy Development In order to provide a framework for mitigation planning, the TERC identified a series of mitigation planning goals and actions designed to reduce hazard risk, improve response capabilities, reduce exposure and vulnerability, and minimize losses. The TERC identified a total of 38 actions as part of the mitigation strategy. The mitigation actions are prioritized based upon ease of implementation, effect on the overall risk to life and property, political and community support, and overall project funding. As part of the action plan, a “Plan Implementation and Maintenance” section was created to identify the actions required to ensure that the plan is fully implemented and that it remains current and up to date. This section also details the system established to monitor the plan, as well as how, when, and by whom the plan will be evaluated. It further describes how continued public involvement will be assured as the plan is monitored and updated. Step 4. Implement, Plan, and Monitor Progress – The state, tribe, or community can bring the mitigation plan to life in a variety of ways, ranging from implementing specific mitigation projects to changing aspects of day-to-day organizational operations. To ensure success in ongoing implementation, it is critical that the plan remains relevant. Thus, it is important to conduct periodic evaluations to assess changing risks and priorities and make revisions as needed. How was this completed? Once the plan was completed in draft form, the document and supporting materials were submitted to Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) for approval pending adoption. Approval pending adoption was received on MONTH DAY, 2022. Following plan adoption by the Tribal Council on MONTH DAY, 2022, official approval from FEMA was received on MONTH DAY, 2022. The “Plan Maintenance” section of this plan establishes short and long-term plan maintenance protocols. -7- ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN COMMUNITY PROFILE HISTORY The people of the St. Croix Tribe belong to a larger group who refer to themselves as Anishinaabe but may also be called Ojibwe or Chippewa as well as other similar names. The St. Croix Band is one of 154 Bands of Anishinaabe that reside around the Lake Superior region in the United States and Canada. This larger group of people extends approximately as far east as the Atlantic Ocean, as far south as Iowa, as far west as Montana, and as far north as Hudson Bay. According to Anishinaabe history, the people migrated west from their historic homeland on the east coast of North America to the Great Lakes Region where they found “the food that grows on water”, known as manoomin or wild rice. This final stop on the migration route was at Lake Superior’s Madeline Island, the spiritual hub of the Anishinaabe. In the years that the Anishinaabe began exploring further away from Madeline Island to find food and gather furs, the Marten clan discovered an area located along the northern sections of the St. Croix River. In this area, the St. Croix River touches many smaller rivers such as the Brule, Yellow, Namekagon, and Clam. Groups of Anishinaabe chose to settle where the St. Croix crossed these rivers. In 1837 and 1842 the St. Croix signed treaties with the United States Government, ceding their lands, but retaining a distinct identity and the rights to hunt, fish, trap, and gather. From 1854 to 1934 the St. Croix became known as "The Lost Tribe", as the United States Government failed to recognize them in the 1854 Treaty of La Pointe. It wasn’t until the passing of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 that the United States government gave the St. Croix reservation lands and formal recognition as a sovereign nation, the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin. GEOGRAPHY The lands of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin are located in several counties of Northwest Wisconsin. The region has been shaped by many separate periods of ancient glaciations. Glacial outwash left deposits of gravel and sand where prairie vegetation grew after the last glacier receded. In other places forests grew to cover much of the area. These pine forests were harvested to near totality during the “lumberjack” days of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Most of the region today is forested with mixed hardwood trees and thickets of dense under-brush and vegetation. Rivers run through these forests and the open sandy areas are dotted with small lakes, marshes, and shallow wetlands. The rivers and streams slope slowly, making them very suitable for canoeing, boating, fishing, and trapping. The St. Croix River Basin is one of the four major watersheds in northern Wisconsin and is critical for the local ecosystem, economy, and supply of clean ground water. The St. Croix Reservation has no distinct contiguous boundaries and is instead composed of scattered tracts of land with communities positioned today in the locations of traditional homelands. The total land area of the Reservation and adjacent tribal properties is 5,274 acres, consisting of 2,398 acres in trust and 2,876 acres of fee lands (as of January 1, 2020). The Reservation encompasses eleven different Reservation Communities with Tribal Lands located in Burnett, Barron, Polk, and Washburn Counties. The five core communities are Sand Lake (Burnett County), Danbury (Burnett County), Maple Plain (Barron County), Round Lake (Polk County), and Turtle Lake (Barron and Polk Counties). Tribal communities are separated at their greatest distance by 60 miles. The Sand Lake Community (Hertel, WI) is located near the geographical center of the Tribal Communities. The Sand Lake Community is also the location of the majority of Tribal Government Buildings, some of which include Tribal Council Offices, Health & Dental Clinics, Tribal Police, Tribal Court, Housing, EPA, Elders, Education, and Head Start. -8- ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN CLIMATE The climate of the St. Croix Reservation is classified as continental, which is characterized by warm, short summers and long, cold, snowy winters. Characterizing the continental climatology, temperatures of 100ºF or higher can occur five months of the year and extremes of 0ºF or below can occur the remaining seven months. In Burnett County, which contains Tribal Headquarters and most lands of the St Croix Reservation, the monthly mean temperature varies from 9.7ºF in January to 69.6ºF in July. Record extremes range from a high of 105ºF to a low of -44ºF. Snowfall, like temperature, varies with seasonal cycles, ranging from a mean of 0 inches in the summer months to 10.7 inches in January, with an average yearly total of 53.0 inches. Precipitation mean per year is 32.64 inches. Prevailing winds are from the west and northwest from late fall until early spring and southerly the remaining part of the year. Figure 1: Temperature Variation - Burnett County Temperature (°F) JAN FEB MAR 82 52 60 21 10 -1 27 15 3 -44 -42 39 28 17 APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Sep OCT 95 95 69 56 43 15 99 77 65 53 29 105 82 70 58 36 100 79 67 55 32 95 70 58 46 21 88 56 43 31 -2 58 46 35 7 73 40 31 22 -24 -39 Max °F NOV Min °F Mean °F 1-Day Max °F DEC 60 26 16 7 -40 1-Day Min °F Source: Midwest Regional Climate Center cli-MATE Figure 2: Precipitation - Burnett County Precipitation (Inches) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL 11.1 11.9 11.1 AUG SEP OCT 8.9 9.2 3.5 2.7 0.1 OCT NOV DEC 4.9 1.7 0.1 4.2 1.3 0.2 NOV DEC 14.1 8.3 3.3 0.9 0.0 2.6 0.9 0.1 3.9 1.6 0.3 3.7 2.5 0.1 0.6 4.5 4.3 1.4 0.9 Mean (in) 4.5 1.0 High (in) 0.3 Low (in) Source: Midwest Regional Climate Center cli-MATE Snowfall (Inches) Figure 3: Snowfall - Burnett County JAN FEB 32.3 34.2 MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP 41.3 31.0 25.9 10.7 8.0 8.5 8.0 13.0 9.0 14.3 7.0 2.6 14.0 2.0 0.1 Mean (in) 0.0 0.0 High (in) Source: Midwest Regional Climate Center cli-MATE -9- 0.0 0.0 1-Day Max (in) 4.6 0.6 6.9 6.0 17.0 11.2 St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin er v Cr int Sa Ha y Map 1 - St. Croix Reservation Basemap Tribal Land 5-Mile Buffer of Tribal Land County Boundary City/Village Boundary Town Boundary E a uC Ri San dCr eek C reek Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan oi x Date Exported: 8/23/2021 12:37 PM Minong 77 53 77 77 48 Danbury Washburn 35 aka i Cro Na m S a i nt r ive R x go n ve Ri r Burnett Webster 70 Siren Grantsburg 70 Big Sand Lake Spooner 70 Hertel Clam Lake 253 Shell Lake Shell Lake 63 48 Frederic 87 Haugen Sand Lake Luck 48 Milltown Beaver Dam Lake Big Round Lake Polk Cumberland 48 87 Rice Lake Barron Balsam Lake 95 Centuria Balsam Lake St. Croix Falls Almena 8 8 Turtle Lake Dresser Osceola Amery 65 Clayton Barron Cameron 8 la ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN POPULATION There are 1,061 St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Tribal Members (as of January 1, 2020). Table 1 lists Tribal Member population by age group and location of residence - living on, adjacent to, or off reservation lands. Table 2 lists population change according to decennial census records. Table 3 indicates forecasted population growth through the year 2040 based on historical population data. Table 1: St. Croix Tribal Member Population Ages 0-17 18-29 30-39 40-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-84 85-94 95-109 Total St. Croix Tribal Member Population by Age Group and Location of Residence On Reservation Adjacent to Reservation Off Reservation Total Lands Lands Lands 74 28 45 147 94 41 69 204 98 46 48 192 77 25 83 185 43 15 21 79 25 16 21 62 27 8 23 58 44 25 41 110 7 4 10 21 2 0 1 3 491 208 362 1,061 Age by % 14% 19% 18% 17% 8% 6% 5% 10% 2% <1% 100% Source: St. Croix Tribal Enrollment Office Table 2: Population Population, 1990-2010 Census 1990 505 13,084 40,750 34,773 4,891,769 St. Croix Reservation & Trust Lands Burnett County Barron County Polk County State of Wisconsin 2000 641 15,674 44,963 41,319 5,363,675 Percent Change 2010 2000-2010 768 19.8% 15,457 -1.4% 45,870 2.0% 44,205 7.0% 5,686,986 6.0% Number Change 2000-2010 +127 -217 +907 +2,886 +323,311 Source: U.S. Census Bureau SF 1, DP-1 and QT-P1 Table 3: Population Forecasts St. Croix Tribe Burnett County Barron County Polk County State of Wisconsin 2010* 768 15,457 40,750 34,773 5,686,986 Population Forecasts 2015 2020 700 772 15,425 16,155 46,660 48,055 44,390 47,680 5,783,015 6,005080 2025 750 17,125 49,605 50,760 6,203.850 2030 729 17,800 50,640 53,240 6,375,910 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2010* DP-1; Demographic Services Center, WI Department of Administration; NWRPC - 11 - 2035 707 17,915 50,490 54,230 6,476,270 2040 685 17,425 49,545 53,825 6,491,635 ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN HOUSING The St. Croix Tribal Housing Authority oversees the building, rehabilitation and maintenance of Tribal homes and apartments. The Housing Authority manages 303 HUD subsidized housing units, of these 170 are low-rent single family homes. The cost of rent for these units is based on a percentage of household income. In addition, The Tribe owns four apartment buildings containing 60 apartments. The Housing Authority also works with tenants to keep all properties in decent, safe, and sanitary condition. The Housing Authority addresses concerns regarding residential air quality, mold, and ventilation, oversees contracts pertaining to pest control, garbage service and snow removal, facilitates upgrades for accessibility and safety, offers heating assistance, and employs a logging crew to provide firewood to Tribal homes. The St. Croix Tribe is committed to expanding and improving housing opportunities in their communities. They have applied for and received grant monies to finance housing projects. They are also in the process of considering new construction and rehabilitation of Tribal homes to ease the burden of homelessness and overcrowding. Table 4: Rental Homes & Apartment Buildings by Reservation Community Wisconsin County & Distribution Burnett County (65%) Polk County (20%) Barron County (15%) Tribal Community Number of Homes Number of Apartment Buildings Danbury Webster Sand Lake Gaslyn Lake Clam Lake Shell Lake Pike Lake Hertel Round Lake Maple Plain 47 31 43 14 6 13 6 2 47 32 1 Source: St. Croix Housing Authority 2021 - 12 - 1 1 1 St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Sand Lake Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan Map 2 - Structure Locations (Core Communities) Structure Location Tribal Land County Boundary City/Town Bounday Date Exported: 10/18/2021 10:17 AM Big Sand Lake State Ro ad 70 70 35 70 HERTEL Crooked Lake 2nd Ave Clam Lake Pokegama Lake Co un 35 ty Road B Maple Plain 27 1/2 Ave 3 1/2 St 26th Ave 26th Ave Little Bass Lake Danbury Turtle Lake 2nd St 25 3/4 Ave 77 State Road 35 Lake 26 Rd 8 County of Polk, WI, Esri Canada, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA, Esri Canada, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA, County of Polk, WI, Esri Canada, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, INCREMENT P, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census Bureau, USDA, Esri Canada, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, INCREMENT P, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census Bureau, USDA 63 4th St 26 3/4 Ave St 4th St 4 / County Highway E 21 26 1/2 Ave 1st St Sand Lake Big Round Lake Kirby Lake 2 1/2 St Round Lake 4th St County R oad B 25 1/ ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Table 5: Housing Occupancy and Tenure Housing Occupancy Housing Units Total Units St. Croix Reservation and OffReservation Trust Land Number Percent Burnett County, WI Number Percent 278 100.0% 15,485 100.0% Occupied Units 241 20.7% 7,303 47.2% Vacant Units 37 79.3% 8,182 52.8% Homeowner Vacancy Rate 0.0% - 2.2% - Renter Vacancy Rate 2.1% - 3.2% - Housing Tenure Housing Units St. Croix Reservation and OffReservation Trust Land Number Percent Burnett County, WI Number Percent Total Units 278 100.0% 15,485 100.0% Occupied 241 47.0% 7,303 47.2% Owner-Occupied 50 20.7% 5,916 81.0% Renter-Occupied Average Household Size of Owner-Occupied Unit Average Household Size of Renter-Occupied Unit 191 79.3% 1,387 19.0% 1.76 - 2.06 - 2.87 - 2.10 - Source: CP04 2014-2018 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates ECONOMIC CONDITIONS The St. Croix Tribe is one of the largest employers in Northwest Wisconsin, employing approximately 2,500 people. The Tribe is the largest employer in Burnett County, providing one out of every 7 jobs. The Tribe is also one of the largest employers in Barron County, providing 1 out of every 33 jobs.1 The St. Croix own and operate a variety of Tribal Enterprises, which have a direct impact on the Tribe and local and state economies. These Tribal Enterprises include St. Croix Casino & Hotel Turtle Lake, St. Croix Casino Danbury, St. Croix Casino & Hotel Danbury, Eagles Landing Campground in Danbury, St. Croix Casino Hertel Express in Hertel, St. Croix Casino Express Convenience Store & St. Croix Tribal Smoke Shop in Hertel, Fourwinds Market in Siren, and Fourwinds Express Convenience Store in Siren, as well as many commercial rental properties including Southwinds Plaza in Siren. According to the 2018 American Community Survey, all income levels on the St. Croix Reservation are lower than the county levels and much lower than state levels (Table 1). This disparity is mainly because net earnings from jobs, self-employment and proprietorships are lower in non-metropolitan areas. Table 2 represents average annual wage and average earnings 1 “Economic Impact of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin” May 2016 Klas Robinson QED - 14 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN per job near St. Croix Reservation Communities. Average annual wage (wages, salaries, and proprietor earnings) is the result of total pre-tax industry earnings divided by same-year industry employment. Earnings are defined as labor-related personal income. Average earnings per job is the total annual earnings of a regional industry (wages, salaries, profits, benefits, and other compensation) divided by the number of jobs in the industry. Table 6: Income Levels and Poverty Rates Income Levels and Poverty Rates St. Croix Reservation Burnett and Off-Reservation County Trust Land Per Capita Income $17,616 $28,424 Median Household Income $36,719 $49,982 Median Family Income $42,321 $58,960 % Families Below Poverty Level Past 12 Months 23.6% 9.9% Barron County Polk County State of Wisconsin $28,326 $50,903 $63,284 12.0% $29,489 $56,932 $68,234 9.8% $32,018 $59,209 $75,313 7.7% Source: U.S. Census Bureau DP03 2014-2018 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Table 7: Average Annual Wage & Average Earnings Per Job Average Annual Wage & Average Earnings Per Job Near St. Croix Reservation Communities Zip Code 2019 Jobs Average Annual Wage Average Earnings Per Job Siren, WI (Burnett County) (ZIP 54872) Webster, WI (Burnett County) (ZIP 54893) Danbury, WI (Burnett County) (ZIP 54830) Hertel, WI (Burnett County) (ZIP 54895) Cumberland, WI (Barron County) (ZIP 54829) Turtle Lake, WI (Barron County) (ZIP 54889) Luck, WI (Polk County) (ZIP 54853) Shell Lake, WI (Washburn County) (ZIP 54871) 1,504 1,190 513 < 10 2,517 1,644 1,124 1,132 $31,391 $33,830 $27,916 Insf. Data $42,877 $43,792 $34,997 $35,395 $39,140 $43,912 $36,350 Insf. Data $53,978 $55,010 $43,192 $45,658 Source: Emsi Q2 2020 Data Set LAND USE The predominant uses within the St. Croix Reservation and adjacent areas are for timber growth, agriculture, and recreation. The distance from major metropolitan areas and lack of a booming industrial center in the area establishes this area as recreational. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is a unit of the National Park Service located on the Namekagon and St. Croix Rivers. Most of the National Riverway occupies the boundary between Wisconsin and Minnesota, with the upper St. Croix and Namekagon part of the Riverway occupying portions of the Danbury Community. The Governor Knowles State Forest extends along the St. Croix River from Danbury in Burnett County to Wolf Creek in Polk County. - 15 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING There are no licensed solid waste landfills in Burnett County. Burnett County is served by the Recycling Control Commission, a two-county intergovernmental unit located in Spooner, WI which was created to provide recycling and waste management services for Burnett and Washburn Counties. There are three solid waste transfer facilities in Burnett County. The Oakland Transfer Station (Town of Oakland), the Webb Lake Transfer Station (Town of Webb Lake), and the Midtown Transfer Station (Town of Meenon). Curbside garbage and recycling pick up is available for residents in the Villages of Grantsburg, Siren, and Webster. Waste removal services are provided through private companies. Residents in unincorporated areas can bring their garbage to solid waste transfer centers or they can contract with private companies for curbside service. Webster and Siren residents have two solid waste and recycling collection facilities in their immediate vicinity. The first is the Midtown Transfer Station, which primarily serves the Siren area for waste disposal and recycling collection. This site is located one-half mile north of the government center on Midtown Road in the Town of Meenon. The second site is north of Webster on French Road, approximately one-half mile north of the junction of CTH U in the Town of Oakland. Barron County Incinerator and Recycling Center is a Waste to Energy Facility (WTE) in Turtle Lake, and it is the primary designation for the disposal of solid waste in Barron County. The WTE powers itself using stream generated during the combustion process and also sells steam energy directly to Saputo Cheese located near the facility. Excess steam is sold under contract to Xcel Energy. The Town and City of Rice Lake operate a joint recycling receptacle that is emptied bi-weekly along with the trash. Municipalities in Polk County take different approaches to solid waste collection. Some municipalities have contracted with a private refuse hauler for curbside garbage collection or a drop-off/dumpster site, while residents in other communities contract directly with the waste hauler. Depending on contract terms, haulers may offer special services, such as collection of recyclables, appliances, construction materials, and yard waste. Polk County has a dual stream source separating facility that offers drop-off of recycling material at bins located throughout the county. These bins are owned and hauled to the recycling center by Polk County. Recyclables are also received from local private haulers. The county owned recycling center is located east of St. Croix Falls, WI. WASTEWATER TREATMENT The Big Sand Lake/West Hertel Wastewater Treatment Facility was constructed in 2005 and is located on the St. Croix Reservation, north of Highway 70 near Hertel. The service areas are south and east of Big Sand Lake and south of Highway 70 on the St. Croix Reservation and Tribal Fee Land located in Burnett County. The treatments system serves 113 existing and future residential connections and 14 existing and future commercial/business connections. No nontribal properties, outside communities, or municipalities receive service at this time. WATER SUPPLY The Danbury Community is served by a high capacity well that is located half a mile east of Danbury. The water system is operated and maintained by the Joint Water Quality Commission of Danbury and St. Croix, a partnership between the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin and Danbury, an unincorporated census-designated place located in Burnett County. The Round Lake Community has one high capacity well that services seven homes, the rest have private - 16 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN wells. The Maple Plain Community is serviced by two high-capacity wells. Sand Lake has a water system owned and operated by the Tribe that uses a water tower. Sand Lake also has a wastewater system. All outlying tribal housing stock and parcels are served by private wells and a private sewer, either with a traditional drain field or mound system. ELECTRIC POWER The majority of Burnett County is served by the Polk-Burnett Electric Co-op or the Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company. The remainder of the county is served by Barron Electric Cooperative and Rural Electric Association. The majority of Barron County is served by Xcel Energy or Barron Electric Cooperative. The remainder of the county is served by a mix of providers including Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative and three municipal utilities in Barron, Cumberland, and Rice Lake. The majority of Polk County is served by the Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative, with two independent electric providers including Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company and Xcel Energy serving the remainder of the county. COMMUNICATIONS CenturyLink, Inc., Grantsburg Telcom, Sirentel, Lakeland Communications, and Mosaic Technologies serve the St. Croix Reservation for local telephone communications. There are multiple companies that are available to supply long distance telephone and Internet services. Wireless phones are becoming increasingly important to personal and business communications. Wireless service is available to portions of the St. Croix Reservation. LAW ENFORCEMENT The St. Croix Tribal Police Department was certified by the State of Wisconsin in 2002. In 2018, renovation started at the old site of the Little Turtle Hertel Express Casino and convenience store. Once completed, the Police Department and the Tribal Courts took occupancy in what is now the St. Croix Criminal Justice Center. Staff consists of nine Police Officers which include a Police Chief, Sergeant, K-9, and Drug Investigator, as well as one Office Administrator, two Dispatchers and one Animal Control Officer (March 2021). The Department has jurisdiction on trust land located in the three-county area of Burnett, Barron, and Polk Counties, and enforce all state law and tribal ordinances along with any natural resource violations that occur within the trust land. The Department handles approximately 4,000 calls for service each year. The Department works effectively and collaborates with each of the County Sheriff’s Offices on special projects including Shop with a Cop, Ice Fishing Contest, Christmas with Cops, Cops and Bobbers and Hunters Safety Programs. The Department also works with the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Commission Game Wardens, which enforce all off-reservation ceded territory violations. The Department has mutual aid agreements with the following village departments: Grantsburg, Siren, Shell Lake and the Native American Drug and Gang Initiative Task Force (NADGI). NADGI involves all tribes in Wisconsin and designate officers to work gang and drug problems within the boundaries of any tribal land in the state. It is the first Native American Task Force developed in the United States having all Tribes from one state represented. FIRE AND RESCUE The St. Croix Tribal/Hertel Fire Department is a volunteer fire department located in Hertel and also services the southern half of the Town of Sand Lake. HEALTH CARE The St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic was established in 2000. Its main location is located at the geographic center of the St. Croix Reservation lands in the Reservation Community of Sand Lake (Hertel, WI). A satellite clinic is located in the Round Lake Community (Luck, WI). Available - 17 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN health care services include general health care, pharmacy, dental, optometry, podiatry, mental health, community health, maternal child health, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs, Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) programs, and transportation services. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES St. Croix youth are dispersed amongst eight public schools located in communities adjacent to reservation lands. These districts and their 2020-21 enrollments are (St. Croix Tribal Education Department): • • • • • • • • Cumberland School District (43 students/4.3% of student body) Grantsburg School District (19 students/1.0% of student body) Luck School District (11 students/2.5% of student body) Shell Lake School District (40 students/5.7% of student body) Siren School District (135 students/28.0% of student body) Spooner Area School District (45 students/3.9% of student body) Unity School District (74 students/7.9% of student body) Webster School District (112 students/17.0% of student body) St. Croix Tribal Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 years who live in and around the St. Croix communities (with Native American preference given). The mission of St. Croix Tribal Head Start is to care for and educate children in a positive and encouraging environment reflecting Ojibwe culture where children and families feel safe and respected. Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College (LCOOCC) is one of two tribal colleges in Wisconsin (Wisconsin Tribal Colleges). LCOOCC has a main campus in Hayward and four outreach sites at Hertel, Bayfield, Odanah, and Lac du Flambeau. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers certificates and associate degree programs, adult basic or remedial instruction, and high school equivalent diplomas. Formal articulation and transfer agreements with University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, and other public colleges add future value to an LCOOCC degree. Annually, enrollment averages 550 students, and more than one-third of students are enrolled at the outreach sites which provide education services to four nearby tribes: St. Croix, Red Cliff, Bad River, and Lac du Flambeau. More than 70% of students are American Indian. The College maintains an open-door policy with both traditional and non-traditional students attending. The average age of an LCOOCC student is 34. Smaller class sizes lead to more individualized attention and support; the student-to-faculty ratio is consistently ten-to-one. - 18 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WSCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN CRITICAL AND VULNERABLE FACILITIES A critical facility provides services and functions essential to a community, especially during and after a disaster. Examples of critical facilities include police, fire, emergency medical services and government administration facilities. Vulnerable facilities are those that may represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure, such as schools, churches, and other assembly areas. Vulnerable facilities also include facilities of historic, cultural, or economic significance. Locations of critical and vulnerable facilities of the St. Croix Tribe are identified in Map 3. ST. CROIX TRIBE CRITICAL FACILITIES Facility St. Croix Tribal Center St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic - Main St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic – Round Lake St. Croix Tribal Police Department St. Croix Tribal-Hertel Fire Department St. Croix Tribal Food Distribution Sand Lake Nutrition Site Sand Lake Community Center Danbury Community Center Maple Plain Community Center Round Lake Community Center Communications Tower Communications Tower Water Tower Wastewater Treatment Pump House Pump House Community Sand Lake Sand Lake Round Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Danbury Maple Plain Round Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Maple Plain Location 24663 Angeline Avenue, Webster 4404 State Highway 70, Webster 2221 60th St, Luck 4384 State Highway 70, Webster 24689 Angeline Avenue, Webster 24685 Angeline Avenue, Webster 4460 State Highway 70, Webster 24663 Angeline Avenue, Webster 7530 Riversmeet Road, Danbury 247 25 3/4 Avenue, Cumberland 2222 County Road E, Luck 24674 Angeline Avenue, Webster 24774 Eagle Feather Drive, Webster 24774 Eagle Feather Drive, Webster 24774 Eagle Feather Drive, Webster 4086 Ojibwa Drive, Webster 2581 2 1/2 Street, Cumberland - 19 - Function Government Offices, Emergency Response Public Health, Emergency Response Public Health, Emergency Response Public Safety, Emergency Response Public Safety, Emergency Response Food Distribution Nutrition Site Community Center, Information & Resources Nutrition Site, Community Center, Information & Resources Community Center, Information & Resources Community Center, Information & Resources Communications Communications - Tribal Police & Burnett County Emergency Services Public Utilities Public Utilities Public Utilities Public Utilities ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WSCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN ST. CROIX TRIBE VULNERABLE FACILITIES Facility Traditional Medicine Building St. Croix Education Building St. Croix Tribal Head Start St. Croix Tribal EPA Office St. Croix Tribal Roads & Construction St. Croix Tribal Fish Hatchery Fish Hatchery Ponds Aquaculture Facility Annex Training Building St. Croix Tribal Gaming Commission St. Croix Casino - Hertel St. Croix Casino - Hertel Amphitheater St. Croix Casino - Hertel Campground St. Croix Casino - Turtle Lake St. Croix Casino - Turtle Lake Hotel St. Croix Casino - Turtle Lake Powwow Grounds St. Croix Casino - Turtle Lake Campground St. Croix Casino - Danbury St. Croix Lodge Eagles Landing Campground Round Lake Ceremonial Grounds Round Lake Apartment Building Round Lake Elder Apartment Building Community Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Gaslyn Danbury Turtle Lake Turtle Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake Turtle Lake Turtle Lake Turtle Lake Turtle Lake Danbury Danbury Danbury Round Lake Round Lake Round Lake Location 24844 Angeline Avenue, Webster 4424 State Highway 70, Webster 3792 State Highway 70, Webster 3796 State Highway 70, Webster 24674 Angeline Avenue, Webster 24663 Angeline Avenue, Webster 27144 Bearheart Drive, Webster 30335 Minerva Dam Road, Danbury 320 Industrial Ave, Turtle Lake 123 Ostemann Drive, Turtle Lake 4348 Highway 70, Webster 4348 Highway 70, Webster 4380 Highway 70, Webster 777 Highway 8/63, Turtle Lake 777 Highway 8/63, Turtle Lake 100 Tamarack Street, Turtle Lake 100 Tamarack Street, Turtle Lake 30222 Highway 35/77, Danbury Across parking lot from St. Croix Casino - Danbury 30158 Highway 35, Danbury 2211 County Road E 616 225th Avenue, Luck 608 225th Avenue, Luck Fourwinds Market Complex Sand Lake 7389 Airport Road, Siren Southwinds Plaza Sand lake 24670 Highway 35/70 - 20 - Function Public Health Education Education Environmental/Natural Resources, Utilities Maintenance, Safety, Hazardous Materials Storage Natural Resources Natural Resources Natural Resources Employee Training, HR, Benefits, Uniforms for Casinos Gaming Compliance Gaming, Travel Plaza, Convenience Store, Restaurant Entertainment Venue RV Camping Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant, Meeting Facility Lodging Ceremonial, Cultural RV/Tent Camping Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant, Meeting Facility Lodging RV/Tent Camping Seasonal Camping, Ceremonial, Cultural Multi-Family Housing Elder Housing Grocery Store, Bottle Shop, Convenience Store, Carwash, Fast Food Restaurant St. Croix Tribal Economic Development Corporation, Commercial Rental Property ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WSCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Historic Sites The St. Croix Tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) maintain a list of the historic sites located on Tribal Land. The specific site locations are restricted to protect them as unique places of archeological significance. This list is not available to the public but is available to the St. Croix Tribe for emergency purposes. Historic structures, sites, and districts are often targeted for hazard mitigation strategies due to their unique, often irreplaceable social value. ST. CROIX TRIBE HISTORIC SITES Historic Sites by Community Danbury Sand Lake Clam Lake Number of Sites 9 2 3 Historic Sites by Community Maple Plain Round Lake Gaslyn Lake Number of Sites 1 1 1 Non-Tribal Critical and Vulnerable Facilities Non-tribal critical and vulnerable facilities which are important to the St. Croix Tribe include county and town governments and 911 communication centers. These locations are not included in Map 3, but location addresses are found in the table below. NON-TRIBAL CRITICAL AND VULNERABLE FACILITIES Facility Burnett County Government Center Barron County Government Center Barron County Justice Center Polk County Government Center Polk County Justice Center Dewey Town Hall Siren Town Hall Swiss Town Hall Rusk Town Hall Maple Plain Town Hall Meenon Town Hall Georgetown Town Hall Johnstown Town Hall LaFollette Town Hall Sand Lake Town Hall Community Bashaw, Clam Lake, Danbury, Gaslyn, Pike Lake, Sand Lake Maple Plain Maple Plain Round Lake Round Lake Bashaw Clam Lake Danbury Gaslyn Maple Plain Pike Lake Round Lake Round Lake Sand Lake Sand Lake - 21 - Location 7410 County Highway K, Siren 335 E Monroe Avenue, Barron 1420 State Highway 25 North 100 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake 1005 West Main Street, Balsam Lake 24433 Town Hall Road, Hertel 7240 S. Long Lake Road, Siren 7551 Main Street, Danbury 25195 County Road H, Spooner 393 26th Avenue, Cumberland 7396 Krueger Road, Webster 1847 100th Street, Balsam Lake 2181 20th Street, Comstock 24184 Malone Road, Webster 5364 County Road X, Webster Function Mutual Aid, 911 Communications Center Mutual Aid 911 Communications Center Mutual Aid 911 Communications Center Government Offices, Mutual Aid Government Offices, Mutual Aid Government Offices, Mutual Aid Government Offices, Mutual Aid Government Offices, Mutual Aid Government Offices, Mutual Aid Government Offices, Mutual Aid Government Offices, Mutual Aid Government Offices, Mutual Aid Government Offices, Mutual Aid St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Sand Lake Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan Map 3 - St. Croix Tribe Critical and Vulnerable Facilities Community Asset Tribal Land Cultural/Historical Asset County Boundary Economic Asset Town Bounday Government Asset City/Village Boundary Infrastructure Asset Natural Resource/Recreational Asset Date Exported: 1/13/2022 1:19 PM Big Sand Lake Stat eR oa d7 0 15 70 35 10 2 11 22 24 17 14 3 9 6 23 4 5 12 1 13 8 25 18 21 19 20 16 7 70 Crooked Lake 1. St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic - Main 2. Traditional Medicine Building 3. St. Croix Tribal Food Distribution 4. St. Croix Tribal Education Building 5. Sand Lake Nutrition Site 6. Sand Lake Community Center 7. St. Croix Tribal Head Start 8. St. Croix Casino - Hertel 9. St. Croix Casino - Hertel Amphitheatre 10. Fourwinds Market Complex 11. Southwinds Plaza 12. St. Croix Tribal Center 13. St. Croix Tribal Police Department 14. St. Croix-Hertel Fire Department 15. Burnet County Government Center 16. St. Croix Tribal EPA Office 17. St. Croix Tribal Roads and Construction 18. Water Tower 19. Wastewater Treatment 20. Pump House 21. Communications Tower 22. Communications Tower 23. Hazardous Materials Storage 24. St. Croix Tribal Fish Hatchery 25. St. Croix Casino - Hertel Campground Clam Lake 2nd Ave HERTEL Pokegama Lake Co un ty Road B County R oad B Round Lake 42 4th St 60th St 35 Maple Plain 27 1/2 Ave Kirby Lake Big Round Lake 39 40 Sand Lake 1 st S t 43 2 1/2 St 41 St. Croix Reservation 26 3/4 Ave 26 1/2 Ave Little Bass Lake 26th Ave 39. St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic - Round Lake 40. Round Lake Community Center 41. Round Lake Apartment Building 42. Round Lake Elder Apartment Building 43. Round Lake Ceremonial Grounds 25 3/4 Ave 26 26. Maple Plain Community Center 27. Pump House 2nd St Danbury 26th Ave 27 Turtle Lake 28. St. Croix Casino - Turtle Lake Powwow Grounds 29. St. Croix Casino - Turtle Lake 30. St. Croix Casino -Turtle Lake Hotel 31. Annex Training Building 32. St. Croix Tribal Gaming Commission 33. St. Croix Casino - Turtle Lake Campground Lake 26 Rd 77 State Road 35 34 36 35 37 33 28 29 38 34. Danbury Community Center 35. St. Croix Casino - Danbury 36. St. Croix Lodge 37. Aquaculture Facility 38. Eagles Landing Campground County of Polk, WI, Esri Canada, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA, Esri Canada, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA, County of Polk, WI, Esri Canada, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, INCREMENT P, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census Bureau, USDA, Esri Canada, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, INCREMENT P, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census Bureau, USDA 8 8 30 63 32 31 63 25 1/ ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW The purpose of a capability assessment is to determine the ability of a local jurisdiction to implement a comprehensive mitigation strategy, and to identify potential opportunities for establishing or enhancing specific mitigation policies, programs, or projects. The capability assessment is also intended to provide comprehensive overview of the agencies, organizations, plans and regulatory instruments available to assist the local jurisdiction in future hazard mitigation and emergency response efforts. PRE-DISASTER CAPABILITIES The St. Croix Tribal Emergency Management Department and the Tribal Emergency Response Committee (TERC) utilize planning, training, and coordination to continually develop the Tribe’s mitigation and preparedness capabilities in partnership with federal, state, and local governments. POST-DISASTER CAPABILITIES The St. Croix Tribal Emergency Management Department and the Tribal Emergency Response Committee (TERC) utilize planning, training, and coordination to continually develop the Tribe’s response and recovery capabilities in partnership with federal, state, and local governments. PRE AND POST-DISASTER RESOURCES The St. Croix has access to a number of federal, state, and local resources to aid in pre-disaster mitigation and post-disaster response and recovery. The following agencies and organizations provide one or more critical functions relative to disaster preparedness or response and recovery. Critical services provided to the St. Croix Tribe are identified under the bulleted headings. FEDERAL RESOURCES Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Great Lakes Agency, 916 Lake Shore Drive West, Ashland, Wisconsin 54806 • Responsible for the government-to-government relationship for 10 of the 11 Tribes in Wisconsin including 6 Bands of Lake Superior Chippewa, and 4 additional Tribes • Provides guidance and technical assistance to tribes, tribal organizations, and agencies in the implementation of all aspects of Public Law 93-638, as amended • Assists in the management, development, and protection of trust land and natural resource assets • Ensures the protection of property and natural resources from wildland fires and provides forest management support with prescribed fires, wildland fire cleanup, hazardous fuels reduction, and funding for fuels reduction projects • Processes fee-to-trust applications • Provides real estate services • Assures compliance with applicable environmental and cultural resource statutes • Administers the BIA Water Resource Programs and the BIA Safety of Dams Program • Administers the Housing Improvement Program (HIP) • Administers the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) jointly with the Federal Highway Administration - 23 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN • HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Administers the Tribal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Program. Potential projects include preventing and controlling invasive species, reducing nonpoint pollution impacts, restoring culturally significant species and habitats, and building tribal capacity. The St. Croix Tribe has received BIA GLRI funding for wild rice restoration and carp removal, wetland enhancement, walleye monitoring and restoration, aquatic invasive species prevention, and tribal capacity building Indian Health Service (IHS) Rhinelander District Office, 9A South Brown Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501 Ashland Field Office, 2800 Lake Shore Drive E, Ashland, WI 54806 • Delivers federal health care services to the St. Croix Tribe • Provides technical assistance and training (environmental health, healthy homes, safe drinking water, food safety, and vector-borne and communicable diseases, etc.) • Provides professional architectural, engineering, project management, and acquisition services for tribal construction projects, and is available to review building infrastructure plans for new tribal construction or renovation • Provides technical and financial assistance for development, construction, and continued operation of safe water, wastewater, and solid waste systems and related support facilities. IHS is also available to assist tribes during sanitation facilities emergencies. • Implements a scattered sites program on the St. Croix Reservation for sewer and water Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FEMA Region 5, 536 S Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60605 • Administers several mitigation grants programs • Administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) • Offers general guidance and technical assistance in the development of hazard mitigation plans • Provides funding for pre-disaster mitigation and disaster response and recovery • Provided response and recovery assistance following the 2019 tornado and high wind event that occurred in the Round Lake Community • Provides incident command system trainings. FEMA has provided incident command trainings at the St. Croix Casino Army National Guard and Air National Guard Units across state • A reserve component of the United States Armed Forces. Membership is in both the National Guard and in the U.S. Army or Air Force • Responds to the Governor of Wisconsin for state emergencies or the call of the President in times of crisis. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the National Guard conducted local Covid-19 testing on the St. Croix Cliff Reservation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333 • Monitors and coordinates response activities during a public health emergency, including disease outbreaks and natural disasters • Ensures that critical medicines and medical supplies are available during emergencies • Regulates biological agents and toxins to protect health and safety • Provides funding, building capacity, technical assistance, and health education • Available to the Tribe for training and clinic assistance - 24 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Eastern Woodlands Office of Native American Programs, 77 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604 • Implements the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program which provides both competitive and assistance programs to tribes for the creation of decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities primarily for persons with low-and moderate-incomes. ICDBG Imminent Threat Grants provide funds to address issues that have an immediate negative impact on public health or safety of tribal residents National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) St. Paul Region Office, 408 St. Peter Street Suite 145, St. Paul, MN 55102 • Monitors and provides technical assistance, training, and support to tribal gaming facilities and regulators to ensure facilities are operating in a manner which adequately protects the environment and public health and safety. NIGC provided public health and safety guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic National Park Service (NPS) St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Park Headquarters, 401 N Hamilton Street, St. Croix Falls WI 54204 • Manages the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway • Implements a prescribed fire program for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway • Controls invasive species in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway • St. Croix Tribal Police Dept has a rescue boat that is available to assist with river rescue within the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS) NWS Forecast Office, 5027 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811 • Monitors atmospheric conditions and issues weather forecasts and storm warnings • Administers the StormReady Program • Provides storm spotter training classes. Spotters reports are relayed to the Weather Service to track storms and alert the public to dangerous weather situations. The St. Croix Casino participates in storm spotter trainings Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Eau Claire Area Office, 1310 W Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 • Sets and enforces standards for safe and healthy working conditions by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance, (how to prepare and train for emergencies in the workplace, hazards to be aware of in an emergency, etc.) • Can be activated by FEMA to provide technical assistance, support, and coordination on emergency preparedness, planning, response, and recovery activities involving hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants, oil, and weapons of mass destruction in natural and technological disasters and other environmental incidents of national significance United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) US EPA Region 5 Office, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604 • Develops and enforces federal environmental regulations - 25 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN • • • • • HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Provides grant funding for environmental projects and programs including Clean Water, Clean Air, Brownfields, GLRI, and a general assistance program Studies environmental issues Educates the public on environmental issues Lead federal agency for administering the GLRI. Receives and distributes GLRI funds to several federal agencies for restoration activities and projects in the Great Lakes. The EPA Great Lakes National Program Office also implements GLRI funded restoration activities Regulatory authority for the Sand Lake Community water and sewer system and the Maple Plain Community water and sewer system United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) St. Paul District, 180 5th Street East, Suite 700, St. Paul, MN 55101 • Assists local communities in flood response activities and cost share in the repair of flood protection structures • Issues permits for work in wetlands and navigable rivers • Implements environmental restoration programs to improve fish and wildlife habitat • Responsible for emergency response operations following natural disasters • Oversees recreation activities at Corps facilities and reservoirs including campgrounds, day-use areas, boat ramps and swimming beaches • Performs water-related planning activities and activities related to the study, design and construction of water resource development projects located primarily on tribal lands through the Tribal Partnership Program (TPP). In 2018 St. Croix and USACE entered a feasibility cost-share agreement to conduct a feasibility study on Big Sand Lake to address concerns of shoreline erosion and to determine and compare alternative methods for achieving restoration. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Spooner Service Center, 800 N Front Street Spooner, WI 54801 • Administers the Emergency Watershed Restoration Program • Soil inventory and mapping, GIS data • Administers the Conservation Stewardship Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) projects debris cleanup, wild rice restoration, trail, and road maintenance United States Department of Commerce, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) • Chartered in 2012, ensures the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide broadband network to improve public safety communications • FirstNet is different from other carriers as it has a dedicated public safety core that routes FirstNet traffic. It also encrypts network traffic within the core, creating the highly secure environment public safety requires. AT&T is the nationwide contractor for the FirstNet system United States Department of Justice (US DOJ) 950 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20530 • Provides grant funding to improve tribal criminal justice and public safety needs • Provides training and technical assistance to further tribal justice system efforts, including community analysis, strategic planning, workshops, online tools, on-site technical assistance, multi-disciplinary training events, prescription drug monitoring assistance, and methamphetamine prevention opportunities - 26 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN STATE RESOURCES Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) Northwest Region, 2400 Wright Street, PO Box 7865, Madison, WI 53707 • Administers the mitigation portion of 44 CFR for Wisconsin • Coordinates with other state agencies on mitigation issues • Administers federal and state hazard mitigation grant funding opportunities • Provides technical assistance for hazard mitigation planning and projects • Provides public information and education initiatives Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) 101 Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703 • Administers Community Development Block Grants (CBDG) which provide emergency assistance to local governments that experience a natural disaster, funding up to 75% of projects. CDBG can help fund hazard shelters, structural retrofits, reconstruction/repair, housing rehabilitation/upgrading, acquisition, and community improvement prior to or as a result of hazard impacts • Administers the Home Investment Partnerships Program which provides funds to support rental rehabilitation, weatherization related repairs, accessibility improvements and rental housing development Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) 1701 N 4th Street, Superior, WI 54880 • Administers emergency highway aid programs in Wisconsin • Established the Inter-Tribal Task Force which serves as a policy advisory group for transportation related matters that have potential to impact tribal communities • Hosts an annual tribal transportation conference that features presentations on safety, business and labor, cultural and environmental and general transportation programs • The conference brings together industry, tribal, federal, and state officials • Provides technical assistance to communities performing damage assessments to infrastructure after a disaster • Manages state roads and highways • Implements the Intelligent Transportation System for the State of Wisconsin • Provides grant funding opportunities for repair and/or mitigation of roads damaged by or vulnerable to damage by hazardous events Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) 610 N Whitney Way, Madison, WI 53705 • Incorporates disaster resilience into the regulation of gas, electric, water and telecommunication utilities • Regulates the Danbury water and sewer system Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703 • Provides public health services for people in Wisconsin • Supports community mental health and substance use programs and runs facilities providing services for mental health and intellectual disabilities • Provides access to health care, long-term care, and nutritional assistance for individuals and families who are elderly - 27 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN • • • HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN Leads a statewide initiative to identify, recruit, and train state, regional, and local Functional Assessment Service Teams (FAST) in sheltering people who have been displaced from their homes during a disaster Responds and coordinates with Wisconsin Emergency Management Licenses health care facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, community based residential facilities (CBRFs) Northwood Technical College Rice Lake Campus, 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake, WI 54868 Balsam Lake Outreach Center, 400 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 • Offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, personal, academic, and career counseling, academic support, and career planning • Offers customized trainings including, but not limited to healthcare trainings (Basic and Advanced Disaster, Life Support, CPR and First Aid, Human Patient Simulator, and ICD10) and public safety and emergency services trainings (EMS, Fire and Rescue Services, and Law Enforcement). St Croix Casino utilizes the campus for EMR and OSHA classes, the St. Croix Police Department utilizes the campus for law enforcement classes Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Spooner Service Center, 810 W Maple Street, Spooner, WI 54801 Eau Claire Service Center, 1300 W Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 • Regulates and enforces several state statutes relating to natural resources on non-tribal lands o NR 115 establishes shoreline protection standards o NR 116 requires local floodplain mapping and zoning in compliance with state floodplain standards (2’ above base flood elevation and no development in floodway) o NR 117 requires local adoption of state wetland maps and zoning in compliance with state wetland setback and preservation standards • Manages the Municipal Flood Control and Riparian Restoration Program • Assists with acquisition of property, vacant land, structure removal, flood-proofing, administrative support, and others • Manages the Urban Forestry Technical Assistance and Grants which provide matching grant funds for urban forestry projects • Provides Fire Suppression Technical Assistance, Grant program and Regulation: Protection of forestlands and providing grant programs addressing fire suppression. • Provides technical support for computer-based mapping of floodplains and wetlands as a low-cost alternative for local communities that lack floodplain maps • Regulatory authority for the Danbury water and sewer system - 28 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN ST. CROIX TRIBAL GOVERNMENT St. Croix Tribal Council • Establishes policies and legislation • Fiscal approval authority for designated expenditures relative to hazard mitigation • Creates and appoints advisory committees and boards • Authorizes the development and approval of the Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan • Primary Tribal contact in government-to-government relationships and negotiations • Communicates with state and federal agencies on issues related to hazard mitigation and emergency response St. Croix Tribal Legal Department • Represents the Tribe in business negotiations, real estate transactions and relationships with state and federal agencies • Supports other Tribal Departments when legal assistance is needed • Drafts legal ordinances • Prosecutes violations of Tribal Ordinances • Reviews contracts • Reviews and approves St. Croix Tribal Police Department policies and procedures St. Croix Tribal Economic Development Corporation • Oversees economic development planning in the St. Croix Tribal Community region, with a focus on proactively planning for community growth and infrastructure needs St. Croix Tribal Emergency Management Department • Utilizes planning, training, and coordination to develop the mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities of the Tribe • Manages and implements the St. Croix Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan • Implements the actions outlined in the Emergency Operations Plan St. Croix Tribal Safety Department • Manages the safety policies for the Tribe • Provides training for employees of the Tribe on areas such as the operation of fire extinguishers, injury prevention, workplace safety and more St. Croix Tribal/Hertel Fire Department • Volunteer Fire Department which responds to emergencies on the St. Croix Reservation in addition to portions of the Towns of Sand Lake, Dewey, and LaFollette • Provides mutual aid to surrounding municipal fire departments and the Wisconsin DNR St. Croix Tribal Police Department • Holds jurisdiction on trust land located in the three-county area of Burnett, Barron, and Polk Counties • Enforces all state laws and tribal ordinances along with any natural resource violations that occur within the trust land • Mutual aid agreements with Grantsburg, Siren, Shell Lake and the Native American Drug and Gang Initiative (NADGI) Task Force - 29 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN St. Croix Health and Human Services St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic – Main Location (Sand Lake Community), 4404 State Highway 70, Webster, WI 54893 St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic (Round Lake Community), 2221 60th Street, Luck, WI 54853 • Offers medical, dental, optical, pharmaceutical, behavioral, and community health, and family services. The principal service area includes Barron, Burnett, Polk, Sawyer and Washburn Counties and neighboring Pine County, Minnesota. Additionally, the St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic will provide care for any enrolled St. Croix Tribal Member or Tribal Member descendant, regardless of residence • Responds and coordinates with St. Croix Tribal Emergency Management, Burnett County Emergency Management, Barron County Emergency Management, Polk County Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross during emergency events St. Croix Tribal Grants Department • Assists Tribal Departments, Program Directors, staff, and community members in planning program initiatives, designing projects, and identifying funding opportunities • Assists the St. Croix Tribal Council and Tribal Program Directors in developing grant applications that are sound, sustainable, and meet the goals and vision of the Tribe • Assists with grant administration and helps ensure grant compliance St. Croix Intergovernmental Affairs Office • Works by consultation, coordination and collaboration with government partners and agencies on a municipal, county, state, and federal level to ensure that the Tribe’s interests are represented, coordinated, and monitored at all government levels • Supports governmental affairs, advocacy, outreach, communication, policy development, media relations, and tribal representation to agencies and organizations St. Croix Tribal Construction Department • Provides maintenance and routine repairs for Tribal vehicles and equipment St. Croix Tribal Roads Department • Oversees the maintenance, construction, and safety of tribal roads and infrastructure within the St. Croix Tribal Reservation Communities • Assists neighboring municipalities, county and state agencies and the federal government in providing St. Croix Communities with safe, passable, and well-maintained roads • Constructs safety projects. A walking path was constructed from the St. Croix Casino Danbury to Eagle’s Landing campground and are constructing a walking path in the Round Lake Community St. Croix Tribal Security • Responsible for the safety of all Tribal Government buildings and grounds, and the safety of all employees, visitors, and community members • Responsible for St. Croix property protection both during and after business hours • Responsible for coordinating trainings such as tornado and fire drills - 30 - ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN St. Croix Tribal Registration and Conservation Department • Protects and restores traditional foods, medicines, and spiritual resources in order to support the culture of the St. Croix Tribe • Assists Tribal Members in traditional harvesting and hunting activities, including participation in spring inland fish harvest, guidance in wild rice and wild plant harvests in ceded territories, and registration of wildlife harvested St. Croix Tribal Historic [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Ast_croix_chippewa%3Ae60d580f15d1ab20. Public record. Not legal advice.