Livability in small towns #2: Menominee Indian Reservation, Wisconsin
August 27, 2010By Sean Barry
This collection of 12 case studies helps put to rest the idea that livability is an exclusively “urban” idea. Small cities, towns and rural regions across the country are transforming themselves into more livable communities. While some of these communities face formidable threats – from job losses and shrinking populations to disappearing farmland and strained resources – their leaders have forged collaborations and created plans that are growing economies, benefiting people and protecting the land and lifestyles treasured by residents and non-residents alike.
Check back each day for a new post and read the full series of livability case studies as they’re posted. The intro can be found here.
Menominee Indian Reservation, Wisconsin
| “We’re very proud of our transit system and the work it does everyday in helping people get to places like the doctor or to the shop.”
Lisa Waukau, Menominee Tribal Chair |
The Menominee Tribe in rural Wisconsin partnered with local schools and health providers to help residents navigate its sparse reservation while maintaining good stewardship of the land.
The Menominee Indian tribe’s reservation includes almost 250,000 acres of largely rural and forested land near Green Bay and has a rich history in the state of Wisconsin, with a treaty dating back to 1854.
With hundreds of miles of rivers and streams and dozens of native plant species, transportation was a significant challenge. Menominee Regional Public Transit was established in 1982 because people needed help getting around the reservation and accessing services, according to Shawn Klemens, Menominee Transit Director.
“We had so many people without vehicles, and with long distances to travel just to get to the nearest grocery store, transit made sense,” Klemens said.
More than 90 percent of the tribal population of 3,200 use Menominee Transit, and the service makes more than 80,000 trips every year. Partnerships with the College of the Menominee Nation (pictured above), as well as local schools, veterans’ services, Menominee County Human Services and other institutions help residents meet their unique needs while preserving precious natural resources.
“Good, efficient public transit is something that you don’t realize how important it is and how much it can help until you have it,” says Menominee Tribal Chairman Lisa Waukau. “We’re very proud of our transit system and the work it does everyday in helping people get to places like the doctor or to shop.”
Source: Community Transportation Association of America
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