MOST SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR MOLE LAKE PARCEL: The many efforts put forth by our working board of directors of the Northwoods NiiJii Enterprise Community, has been done in belief that real working capital will come our way. The board has endured, for more than a year, in its attempt at learning the vast and encompassing federal system. Much time, money and energy by our board has been put forth, in an attempt to arrive at the point whereby real working capital will be transferred from the federal bank accounts to the bank account of the Northwoods NiiJii. Each member tribe has expended a considerable amount of "in kind" man hours and real dollars up to this point. We shall continue in our efforts to progress. We look forward to acquiring the ability of leveraging federal dollars and to reaching our goals through the Empowerment/Enterprise Community idea.

1. May 5, 1999-The Sokaogon Environmental Protection Office staff along with workers, employed under the community's, general assistance grant, combined their efforts in the successful completion ( a full week) of our community-wide beautification project.
   
2. June 1, 1999-The Sokaogon band completed its expansion of its head start program and has expanded its current day care program.
   
3. June 21, 1999-The Sokaogon band announced the successful results of its 1999 fish hatchery project relating to its 1999 off reservation spear fishing spawn gathering activities.
   
4. June 21, 1999-The Sokaogon community elders program initiated its search for funding to purchase a shuttle van which will need to be handicap accessible including a wheel chair lift apparatus.
   
5. July 26, 1999-The Sokaogon Chippewa has been selected to be the site for an upcoming film making project. The project is an environmental film. The film will discuss the environmental hazards that may arise should a major mining operation begin in Forest County in a location that is one-quarter mile form the border of the reservation.
   
6. August 1, 1999-The Sokaogon tribal government enacted a plan to assist residents of the singles apartment units in an effort to enhance a cleaner safer environment for all residents living in the facility.
   
7. August 16, 1999-The developable site known as Nashville Township, adjacent the Sokaogon reservation, and its current Chairman Chuck Sleeter is the recipient of the 1999 American Hometown Leadership Award grant in the amount of $5,000.00 (five thousand dollars) for economic development. The letter came from Emerson M. Goodwin, Director of the WalMart Foundation.
   
8. August 30, 1999-The newly constructed $1.2 million dollar 15 unit senior citizen retirement living complex was ready for occupancy by October 1, 1999. The new facility was made possible through a grant from HUD.
   
9. August 30, 1999-The Sokaogon Mole Lake elderly program began its application process to the State of Wisconsin WISDOT under section 5310 Program to acquire a new $50,000.00 (fifty-thousand dollars) 14-passenger shuttle bus, including a motorized wheelchair lift. 80% of the cost of the vehicle will come from the state and the remaining 20% will come from the Mole Lake community's elderly program.
   
10. September 6, 1999-The Sokaogon community made a donation (matching funds) of $3,500.00 (thirty-five hundred dollars) to the nearby Lake Metonga Association. The combine funds totaling $7,000.00 (seven thousand dollars) was used to purchase 7,000 tiny weevils no larger than a grain of sand each. This expenditure was done as an alternative to the use of toxic chemicals (2,4-D) to eradicate the spread of the purple Eurasian Milfoil plant growth in Lake Metonga.
    
11. September 13, 1999-The Forest County Department of Social Services and the Flanery Insurance Agency also d.b.a. Great Northern Benefits have both agreed to donate $500.00 (five hundred dollars) to the Mole Lake Elderly Services program. This money will be used to for a consultant who will draft an application to WISDOT (Wisconsin Dept of Transportation) secure financial resources to acquire a new vehicle.
    
12. October 4, 1999-The Sokaogon Mole Lake community has partnered with the US Department of Agriculture in a joint financial effort to control soil erosion on the reservation. Swamp Creek which runs through the reservation and connects to Rice Lake is a vital link to the history and culture of this community as it relates to the lake. The $5,000.00 (five thousand dollars) needed to rebuild the area affected by recent erosion will be fully reimbursed by the US Dept. of Agriculture.
    
13. October 4, 1999-The Mole Lake community is nearing completion of its snail tissue sampling project. The community has provided $2,760.00 (two thousand seven hundred and sixty dollars) which covers 50% of consultant fees to finish the project. Following successful completion this dollar amount will be fully reimbursed by the US EPA. 14. October 18, 1999-The tribal council approved $60,000.00 (sixty thousand dollars) to be used to build a new house for a tribal elder, which upon completion will be reimbursed through the federal HIP program.
    
14. October 25, 1999-A new Internet web site, www.northwoodstourism.com, has been established in conjunction with the development of a new tourism center on the north end of the reservation along highway 55. The tourism center is slated to begin operation by year end or early in the new year. The tourism center will not only meet the informational needs of the tourist but will also be an educational center to provide awareness about the negative economic impacts that the proposed nearby metallic sulfide mining operation could have regarding the recreational use of surrounding lakes, rivers and streams.
    
15. November 11, 1999-The Sokaogon Mole Lake community and its local township, Nashville Township worked together earlier this year in a joint effort by applying for a local Safety Grant from the WISDOT, District 7. The township was awarded $17,000.00 (seventeen thousand dollars) to construct a pedestrian/bike trail on the reservation connecting Highway 55 and Sand Lake Road. Construction began in late summer and on Oct. 22, 1999 the trail was officially dedicated in honor of a former tribal chairman, Mr. Charles Fox, Sr.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION - MOLE LAKE PARCEL:

1. March 22, 1999-Formation of a community planning committee. The committee reviewed and prioritized projects/benchmarks. Monthly meetings were planned to keep community members informed and acquiring input into the process.
   
2. March 31, 1999-A community planning meeting took place to update and refine benchmarks which included both the Mole Lake community and residents of Nashville Township. Twenty-five individuals participated in open dialogue in refining projects/benchmarks as outlined in the strategic plan.
   
3. December 1, 1999-a meeting took place at the Nashville Township town hall to discuss the number one concern for both the Nashville township and the Mole Lake government. Fire and rescue protection for both governments was the topic of greatest concern.

Present at the meeting were: Chuck Sleeter, town Chairman, Joanne Tacopina, Clerk, Jan Olson, Treasurer, Jim Stormer road maintenance. Tribal members, Tina VanZile, Mole Lake tribal secretary, Donna Vandiver, tribal treasurer, Myra VanZile, Denise Labine, Sandra Rachal, tribal vice-chair, Ken VanZile council member and Sylvester Poler, NiiJii board member were also present. Mr. Mark Dryer, BIA and Sandra Supinski form Indian Health Service were also in attendance. Mr. Michael Martin, HUD, Brian Deaner and Dave Schwobe both from USDA were also present. Mr. Chad Weininger, representing Congressman Green's office (Green Bay District) and Mr. John Morgan from the State Emergency Medical Services division were in attendance.

The meeting focused on current problems regarding the lack of a fire protection plan. The need for fire hydrants and current poor fire fighting equipment was discussed. It was established that there is a current need for two main stations, each equipped w/an engine, mini-pumper and a tanker. A feasibility study has been entertained and the Enterprise community funding will be vital as this is a first priority benchmark.

PARTNERSHIPS AND ALLIANCES - MOLE LAKE PARCEL:

1. May 10-14, 1999-Richard D. Ackley, Jr. Mole Lake tribal member and NiiJii board member attended the week long "Rural Community Development Executive Training Institute" Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. The resources of this center of higher education is invaluable and is accessible at any time via the Internet.
   
2. June 22, 1999-Richard D. Ackley, Jr. also attended a meeting held at the Sheraton Airport Hotel, Minneapolis hosted by the Midwest EC/EZ Consortium under the direction of Mr. Chuck Bean, USDA Washington. The meeting offered a good round of discussion on many critical issues facing both Round I & Round II. The sharing of successful achievements by the Minneapolis EZ/EC was both enlightening and reassuring.
   
3. July 21-23, 1999-Richard D. Ackley, Jr also participated in a three day "on sight" tour in Virginia hosted by the Accomack-Northampton Enterprise Community & the Virginia Eastern Shore Economic Empowerment and Housing Corporation at Nassawadox, VA. Executive Director, Mr. Art Carter was our host. Our visit was intense as we managed to compress a good amount information into a short time period. The importance of commitment and dedication was reinforced by what we experienced during our time there. We were encouraged to consider the many "pitfalls" that could lie ahead and to consider the time that can be gained by not having to "reinvent the wheel" as had been the experience at this particular EZ/EC. This was definitely a good education and this location will also serve as a valuable resource for our enterprise community.
   
4. July 27, 1999-Trina Dennis of the Wisconsin Dept. of Commerce made a presentation to us about how the Bureau of Minority Business Development can be of great assistance to our NiiJii organization. This can and will be a valuable resource tool for our benchmark in establishing economic growth through small business development.
   
5. August 30, 1999-the Mole Lake community elderly services has begun its application process on acquiring a new $50,000.00 14-passenger shuttle bus, including wheel chair lift through WISDOT under Sec. 5310 Program which covers 80% of the cost. The community's economic support program will pick up the remaining 20%.
   
6. September 6, 1999-the Mole Lake community formed an alliance and partnership with the Forest County Lake Metonga Association. Both partners provided $3,5000 each for a total of $7,000 to protect the fragile lake front from potential degradation.
   
7. September 13, 1999-the Mole Lake community met with the Forest County Department of Social Services and the Flanery Insurance Company of Crandon, Wisconsin. A partnership was formed to combine $500.00 from each to pay for consultant fees to draft an application for a grant through WISDOT.
   
8. September 17, 1999-the Mole Lake community formed a partnership with the USDA in an effort to stop soil erosion of lower Swamp Creek on the reservation. The tribal government approved an expenditure of $5,000.00 toward the project in which the USDA will reimburse at 100% following successful completion of the project.
   
9. October 4, 1999-the Mole Lake community formed an alliance with the federal EPA in its completion of a snail tissue sampling project. The tribal government provided $2,700.00 (50% down) for consultant fees for the project. After successful completion, this dollar amount will be fully reimbursed by the US EPA.
   
10. October 18, 1999-the Mole Lake community partnered with Nashville Township in a road improvement project on the reservation. A 3/4 mile stretch of road required additional gravel to raise its height for adequate run-off and also required the construction of a crown. The Nashville township roads maintenance crew completed the job at a cost of less than $7,000.00 to the tribe.
    
11. October 11, 1999-the Mole Lake community and several environmental activist organizations have combined their resources to establish a tourism visitor center on the reservation's north end adjacent highway 55. The joint effort will include educational information directed at protecting the sensitive Wolf River watershed form the negative of a proposed metallic sulfide mining operation nearby. A new web site has also been established www.northwoodstourism.com in conjunction with the tourism center.
    
12. October 22, 1999-the Mole Lake community and the Nashville Township formed a partnership to construct a $17,000.00 pedestrian/bike trail. Working together, these partners acquired a Local Safety Grant from WISDOT, District 7. The trail was officially dedicated today in honor of the late Charles Fox, Sr. former tribal chairman.

PROBLEMS AND OBSTACLES - MOLE LAKE PARCEL: No funding from the federal government's Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community program was available during this period.

SOLUTIONS - MOLE LAKE PARCEL: The ability to leverage would be enhanced by the availability of federal dollars coming from the Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community program.

BEST PRACTICES - MOLE LAKE PARCEL: Unable to implement the strategic plan without the availability of financial resources for leveraging.

PLANS/PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE FOR MOLE LAKE PARCEL: There exists a current need of serious concern to the Mole Lake and Nashville Township NiiJii partners. The lack of fire and rescue protection is quite evident as little more than a year ago, a house in our community burned completely to the ground during the wee hours of a wintry morning. This house also served as a meeting place for environmental activism. The care taker, of the house, a tribal elder of our community, lost his life unnecessarily. Somehow it just doesn't seem fair that our community was expected to withstand an event so tragic. The local law enforcement as well as the local city of Crandon Fire Department had little comment as to why this disaster went unnoticed. Any house burning completely to the ground in any community in America, seems almost unheard of in today's world of technological advance. As a society we can send space shuttles into orbit on an almost daily routine basis; we can send space craft to Mars, yet in this vastly encompassing age of technology and science the tragedy of fire eludes us. Empowering the average citizen to recognizing his or her community needs does not require our government's assessment of those needs as much as it requires the implicit nature of its citizenry.