"We're In!" Landowners In Mille Lacs Treaty Case to Present Arguments Before U.S. Supreme Court

Minnesota's landowners, sportsmen and concerned citizens truly have cause for celebration over the recent U.S. Supreme Court's announcement that it will hear the Mille Lacs 1837 Treaty Case. The Landowner defendants in the case now have the opportunity to present their arguments before the highest Court in the land.

"This is basically what we have been working for." stated Mark Rotz, Chairman of Proper Economic Resource Management (PERM). "This year the court chose to review only about 120 cases of the nearly 7,000 that were submitted. We are elated! We're in! We are now more confident than ever that the Landowners' arguments will prevail."

"The Landowners' involvement in this treaty case, right from the outset, has been the best assurance that the interests of Minnesota's sportsmen, conservationists and citizens in general, are vigorously defended." remarked PERM Board of Directors member and well known conservationist, Don "Duckman" Helmeke. "That's why PERM has worked so hard to support the Landowners' legal effort."

PERM, a grass roots, non-profit citizen's organization launched its $1.5 million SAVE MINNESOTA fundraising campaign three years ago in order to help the Landowners pay the immense costs of taking the Mille Lacs Treaty Case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. To date, the totally volunteer organization has raised almost $800,000 toward that goal.

There is however, a downside to the recent good news. The legal and production costs of preparing the Landowners' final arguments at this highest Court level are dramatically accelerated.

"PERM and the Landowners are facing a serious cash flow crisis." cautioned Chairman Rotz. " I can't tell you how much we appreciate everyone's support over the past few years, but the fact is getting to this point has landed us about $270,000 in debt and we need to raise at least 130,000 additional dollars for our final push to a victory at the Supreme Court.

In response to this newest challenge, PERM's dedicated volunteers have launched an intensive 30 day fundraising blitz called the "We're In! - Supreme Donor" campaign. Between now and the July 23rd court filing deadline when the Landowners' written briefs are due, any individual, company or organization who donates $1,000 or more to PERM will receive a handsome "We're In! - Supreme Donor" plaque in recognition of their generous and timely support of the Landowners in this historic effort. Donations of $500 will receive a "We're In!" certificate of appreciation suitable for framing.

Bud Grant, NFL Hall of Fame inductee, former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, avid outdoorsman and passionate PERM spokesman had this to say. "What we desperately need in the next 30 days before the filing deadline, is for my fellow Americans, whether individually or as part of a corporation or organization who, like myself, believe in the Constitution of the United States and the wise use of our precious natural resources, to dig deeply into their pockets and help us get through this critical and final phase of our long battle. This truly is an opportunity to do our part to shape history and ensure justice prevails. We simply can't make a better investment for ourselves and future generations than joining the "Supreme Donor" team today.

To join the "We're In! - Supreme Donor" team and help the Landowners win at the U.S. Supreme Court just fill out this form and return it with your check to: PERM, 9193 Parrish Avenue, Elk River, Minnesota, 55330. (612) 441-6869. Donations are fully tax deductible.