A request from the Lac Vieux Dessert Chippewa tribe to allow Michigan logging loads to enter Vilas County from a tribal timber sale on the former Simpson property in Michigan on the east side of Lac Vieux Dessert was approved by the Vilas County highway committee by a vote of 4-1, with conditions.
Vilas County Highway Commissioner Nick Scholtes indicated Michigan allows 180,000 pound logging truck loads which is double Wisconsin's 80,000 pounds . . . but they use trucks with 11 axles for weight distribution. He felt the it could be allowed.
The Town of Phelps has approved travel on Simpson and South Shore Roads. They would then use County E to reach Highway 45 to go north into Michgan.
Committee members, suppported by corporation counsel Jack Albert, wanted a tribal letter indicating they would pay for any repairs needed and to post a performance bond, either cash or letter of credit, for $20,000. Vilas County would photograph the road before, during, and after to determine if there is any damage. It was anticipated the maple and red oak timber would take 80 Michigan loads to remove.
