PORTLAND, Maine - The Penobscot Nation and the U.S. government will appeal a federal judge's decision limiting the tribe's right to oversee the Penobscot River waters near its Old Town reservation.
U.S. District Judge George Singal ruled late last year that the tribe's reservation includes islands on the river, but not the water itself. That means the tribe can take fish for sustenance from the river, but cannot enforce violations of fishing regulations or water quality rules.
The Bangor Daily News reports that the notice of appeal was filed Monday, and will be heard by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston.
Maine Attorney General Janet Mills; Chandler Woodcock, commissioner for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; and Col. Joel T. Wilkinson of the Maine Warden Service are named as defendants in the pending appeal.
The city of Brewer is named as a defendant and intervenor.
