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Press Release Regarding Representative Burdick's Resolution Calling For An Investigation Of Garrison Dam Project, August 25, Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This press release, dated for release on August 25 (no year indicated) tells of the introduction of United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick's resolution calling for an investigation of land requisitioning practices employed by the US Army Corps of Engineers for the Garrison Dam Project. The release states the Army Corp of Engineers are engaged in acquisitions “far in excess of that required for storage of the 17 million acre-feet and in excess of that 1,830 foot pool level operation agreed to,” which Burdick says violates Public Law 534 and Senate Document 247. The release also reports Burdick's claims …

Magazine Article By J.S. Seybold Regarding The Construction Of The Garrison Dam, October, 1949, J.S. Seybold

Usher Burdick Papers

This reprint of an article in Civil Engineering, The Magazine of Engineered Construction, dated October, 1949, by Colonel of the United States Corps of Engineers J.S. Seybold is a publication of the North Dakota State Water Conservation Commission. The six page article provides pictures and diagrams outlining the progress of the Garrison Dam project and is divided by the following subtopics: Seepage Control and Drainage, Driving Cutoff Piling, Eight Tunnels in Right Abutment, Test Tunnel on Site of Penstock No. 4, Measurements Provide Design Data, Intake Structure Contract Let, Spillway in Left Abutment, Permanent Town Built, Progress to Date. The …

Press Statement From Representatives Burdick And Lemke Regarding Limitation On The Pool Level, October 5, Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This press statement dated October 5 (no year indicated), by United States (US) Representatives Usher L. Burdick and William Lemke states that “it was no surprise” that the United States Army Engineers have tried to create a larger pool area for the Garrison Dam than 17 million acre feet. The press statement states that this matter should be immediately placed before the federal courts in the form of an injunction to prevent the Army Engineers from breaking the law. No year is marked in this document.

Draft Of Bill For The Relief Of Certain Owners Of Buildings And Other Improvements On Land Situated In Sanish And Van Hook, North Dakota, Which Will Be Inundated By The Creation Of The Garrison Reservoir, Undated, Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This document, which is undated, is a draft of bill to be introduced in the United States (US) House of Representatives during the first session of the 83rd Congress by US Representative Usher Burdick.

The draft sets out to authorize, and directs the US Treasury to pay, a sum of $501,500 to the Sanish-Van Hook Elevator and Indian Lots Committee of Sanish, North Dakota, who would equitably distribute the funds among "owners of buildings and other improvements on lands to the extent that such owners have incurred, or shall incur, losses of or damages to such buildings and other improvements …

Drafts Of Resolution By Representative Burdick Regarding Pool Level Of Garrison Dam Reservoir, Undated, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated document, presumably by United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick, appears to consist of two drafts of a resolution intended to be introduced in the United States (US) House of Representatives during the first session of the 84th Congress, by Burdick.

The resolution begins with the complaint that the US Corp of Army Engineers, acting on its own and in violation of several stipulations of the original act authorizing the construction of the Garrison Dam, has decided to increase the water pool area by 6,000,000 acre-feet and the raise the surface height of the pool by twenty feet. …

Notes On The Garrison Dam, Undated, Author Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated, unsigned document is a set of handwritten notes regarding Garrison Dam. There are additional handwritten notes at the top of the document.

Speech Draft By Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam And Fort Berthold, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated speech draft, by United States House Representative Usher Burdick, addresses issues surrounding the building of Garrison Dam and the proposed higher pool level. Burdick contends that the higher pool level is not legal, and he notes that the flood control will be of no benefit to the Upper Missouri River Valley, where the damage from the Garrison Dam will affect North Dakota people and cities. Burdick then speaks to the problems the dam will cause for the tribal members of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Burdick asserts that the higher pool level will result in about forty percent of …

Draft Of Public Statement By Representative Burdick Regarding Indian Coal, Undated, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated public statement from the office of United States Representative Usher L. Burdick, discusses the possibility of giving some of the stockpile of coal in the Garrison Dam area of North Dakota to the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs for distribution to reservations so that "Freezing Indians" can use it. This is draft has many handwritten notes and emendations.

See Also:

Public Statement by Representative Burdick Regarding Indian Coal, February 8, 1951

Speech Draft On Garrison Dam Pool Level, Undated, Author Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated speech draft by an unknown author concerns the taking of lands related to the pool level of the Garrison Dam. The speech outlines the ways in which the US Fifth Amendment provides protections for private property and argues that the US Army Engineers would be in violation of these laws if they expand the Garrison Dam pool beyond the agreed upon 17 million acre feet. There are two handwritten notes at the bottom of the speech.

Newspaper Clipping On Garrison Dam Pool Level, Undated, Author Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated newspaper clipping concerns the pool level of the Garrison Dam. The clipping states that a United States (US) Senate subcommittee has recommended a pool level of 1,850. The clipping also notes that the subcommittee has recommended that cut funds be restored to this end.

Statement By Williston Garrison Dam Committee On Garrison Dam, Undated, Williston Garrison Dam Committee

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated statement by the Williston Garrison Dam Committee concerns issues related to the Garrison Dam, primarily issues related to the pool level and flood control. The statement discuses the origins of the Garrison Dam through various plans and bills. Included in this list are United States (US) House Document 475 and the Pick Plan, US Senate Document No. 191 and the Sloan Plan, US Senate Document 247, and US Public Law 534. The statement continues by discussing the debate over the 1,830 and 1,850 pool levels and notes that the US Army Engineers have no right to command residents …

Bill Draft On Garrison Dam Pool Level, Undated, Author Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated and unsigned draft bill concerns United States (US) Public Law 534 of the 78th Congress, Chapter 665, Second Session (HR 4485), "Act Authorizing the Construction of Certain Public Works on Rivers and Harbors for Flood Control and Other Purposes." This draft bill is for an amendment to the previously mentioned US HR 4485. The bill includes a paragraph to be added related to the Missouri River Basin that would mandate an operating pool level no greater than 17 million acre feet of water.

Resolution By Board Of County Commissioners Of Mclean County Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, Undated, Board Of County Commissioners Mclean County, North Dakota, Blonigen, Everson

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated resolution issued by the Board of County Commissioners of McLean County, North Dakota, concerns the operating pool level of Garrison Dam. The resolution states the board's support of a pool level of 1,850 feet and calls for withdrawal of any restrictions preventing this pool level. The language in this resolution closely resembles the language used in several resolutions regarding Garrison Dam's pool level sent to Burdick in 1955. These other resolutions can also be found in this collection.

Resolution By Board Of County Commissioners Of Foster County Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, Undated, Board Of County Commissioners Foster County North Dakota

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated resolution issued by the Board of County Commissioners of Foster County, North Dakota, concerns the operating pool level of Garrison Dam. The resolution states the board's support of a pool level of 1,850 feet and calls for withdrawal of any restrictions preventing this pool level. The language in this resolution closely resembles the language used in several resolutions regarding Garrison Dam's pool level sent to Burdick in 1955. These other resolutions can also be found in this collection.

Us Army Corps Of Engineers Pamphlet "Garrison Dam On The Missouri," Undated, Us Army Corps Of Engineers

William Langer Papers

This undated pamphlet, titled "Garrison Dam on the Missouri," issued by the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers, Garrison District, in Bismarck, North Dakota, uses text, maps, diagrams and illustrations to explain the history, capacities, construction and recreational possibilities of the Garrison Dam and Reservoir Project.

Letter From Representative Burdick To Walter Burk Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, August 10, 1954, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated August 10, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to attorney Walter Burk consists of a brief cover note by Burdick explaining that an enclosed letter from E. C. Itschner, Assistant Chief of Engineers for Civil Works, US Department of the Army was requested several days prior, and had only just arrived.

In the attached letter, Itschner estimates that the total loss in annual benefits from operating the dam at a pool level of 1,840 feet instead of 1,850 would amount to $1,589,000.

See also:

Letter from Walter Burk to Laura Page Knudson Regarding Garrison Dam …

Letter From Mrs. Richard C. Andrews To Representative Burdick Regarding Reservoir Name, Mrs. Richard C. Andrews

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated letter from Mrs. Richard C. Andrews to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick urges Burdick to support the proposed legislation to name the Garrison Dam reservoir "Lake Sakakawea." Andrews notes she is writing as a representative of the "Ladies Aides of the Congregational Churches of Dawson, Tappen, Weiser Township, and Pettibone, North Dakota." Andrews further asserts that naming the reservoir after Sakakawea will strengthen the morale of the "first Americans" who have been "unjustly treated," and she closes by proposing the new name will make North Dakota more appealing to tourists.

There are some handwritten notations, likely from …

Notes On Us Senate Bill 2151, Presumably Made By Representative Burdick, Likely 1956, Likley Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

These undated notes, presumably written by United States (US) Usher Burdick and attached to a copy of US Senate Bill 2151 dated June 6, 1955, explain the need for per capita payments to aid the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, as they were forced to relocate their homes due to flooding by the completion of the Garrison Dam. The notes are annotated. At the top, a handwritten notation reads, "S. 2151, for record, March 7, 1956."

Memorandum From R. B. Mckee To Area Director Regarding Grazing On The Fort Berthold Reservation, Likely 1956, R. B. Mckee, Wayne T. Emerson

Usher Burdick Papers

This memorandum, likely from 1956, from R. B. McKee, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency to "Area Director" responds to a request for maps of the taking area of the Fort Berthold Reservation and a description of how that land is being used. The memorandum indicates that that the current area of 70,000 acres will reduce to 37,000 as the Garrison Reservoir pool level continues to rise to 1850 feet. At this time, a little more than half of the area is used for grazing by non-Indigenous people and about 90% of Indigenous-owned livestock is grazed in the area. Some …

Summary Of Action Taken Following Delegation Trip To Washington, D.C On Behalf Of The Three Affiliated Tribes, May 9 (No Year Given), Leslie D. Polk

Usher Burdick Papers

This news release, dated May 9 (no year given), provides a summary of what was accomplished by a group of delegates from the Three Affiliated Tribes in Washington D.C. to attend hearings before the United States (US) House Interior Committee. Delegates included Martin Cross, William J. Deane, and O. R. Shulte. The list of accomplishments includes a bill to provide for the distribution of funds held in trust to be distributed by on a per capita basis, an amendment to a bill that authorizes members of the Three Affiliated tribes to acquire trust in tribal lands, and a bill to …

List Of Items Related To Needs Of The Three Affiliated Tribes Of The Fort Berthold Reservation, Undated, Author Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated list was filed in one of two folders labeled "Fort Berthold Indians" in US Representative Usher Burdick's files. Almost all of the items in the folder with it were from the 1950s. The items on the list all relate to the needs of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. A handwritten note on the list adds, "S. 3311" referring to US Senate Bill 3311.

Memorandum From Martin Cross To Senator Langer Regarding Several Bills That Cross Wants To See Though The Committee, Likely 1955, Martin Cross

William Langer Papers

This undated memorandum, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, lists five US Senate Bills that Cross would like to see: US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151), US Senate Bill 1528 (S. 1528), US Senate Bill 746 (S. 746), US Senate Bill 1530 (S. 1530), and US Senate Bill 1956 (S. 1956).

There are some handwritten notes on the memorandum.

See also:

Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Senate Bills 2151 and 1528, February 23, 1956

An Act to Provide for the Segregation of Certain Funds of the Fort Berthold …

Opinion Regarding The Status Of Mineral Ownership Underlying The Missouri River Within The Boundaries Of The Fort Berthold Reservation (North Dakota), United States Department Of The Interior, Robert T. Anderson

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This memorandum, dated February 4, 2022, from the United States (US) Department of the Interior (Office of the Solicitor) to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management, the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, and the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs rescinds the Solicitor’s May 26, 2020 opinion regarding mineral rights on the Fort Berthold Reservation which declared the state of North Dakota to be the owner of said rights. This memorandum reaffirms the January 17, 2017 opinion of Solicitor Hilary Tompkins that the rights belong to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. …

Reclamation: Managing Water In The West; An Overview Of The Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, United States Bureau Of Reclamation, Roger S. Otstot

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This undated summary released by the Bureau of Reclamation offers a concise overview of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin flood control plan which was enacted when Congressed passed the Flood Control Act of 1944. This plan led to the construction of several dams in the Missouri River basin, including the Garrison Dam. The completion of the Garrison Dam displaced the majority of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people living on the Fort Berthold Reservation. This document contains tables, graphs, maps, and a photograph.

Status Of Mineral Ownership Underlying The Missouri River Within The Boundaries Of The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation (North Dakota), Department Of The Interior, Daniel H. Jorjani

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This memorandum, dated May 26, 2020, from the United States Department of the Interior (Office of the Solicitor) to the Assistant Secretary of US Indian Affairs and the Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management rescinds the Solicitor’s January 18, 2017 opinion regarding mineral rights on the Fort Berthold Reservation and asserts that the state of North Dakota, not the Three Affiliated Tribes, is the legal owner of the submerged lands beneath the Missouri River. The Solicitor cites the “Historical Examination of the Missouri River within the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, Precontact-1902” and his interpretation of laws and case precedent …

Opinion Regarding The Status Of Mineral Ownership Underlying The Missouri River Within The Boundaries Of The Fort Berthold Reservation (North Dakota), United States Department Of The Interior, Hilary C. Tompkins

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This memorandum, dated January 18, 2017, from the United States (US) Department of the Interior (Office of the Solicitor) to the Assistant Secretary of US Indian Affairs and the Director of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs responds to an inquiry requesting an opinion on mineral rights ownership on the Fort Berthold Reservation. The state of North Dakota and the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation submitted competing claims of ownership. The memorandum provides a history of the area, settlement, trade, treaties, the river and its flood and flood control history, the Garrison Dam, and the reasons why …

Interior Department And Army Corps Announce Restoration Of Tribal Lands For The Three Affiliated Tribes Of The Fort Berthold Reservation; Transfer Restores Nearly 25,000 Acres Of Tribal Homelands Lost To The Garrison Dam Project, Department Of The Interior, Assistant Secretary Of The Army For Civil Works

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This news release, dated December 20, 2016, from the United States (US) Department of the Interior and the US Assistant Secretary of the Army announces the return of 24,959 acres of land on the Fort Berthold Reservation to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The returned land was part of the 153,000 acres of land taken by the United States Government for construction of the Garrison Dam. The authority of this transfer is granted by the Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-602). This press release provides some background on the Garrison Dam Project …

Fact Sheet: Potential Transfer Of Garrison Dam/Lake Sakakawea Project Lands, United States Army Corps Of Engineers

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This 2016 fact sheet released by the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers, discusses the potential return of lands within the Fort Berthold Reservation to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The lands in question are part of 153,000 acres that were taken for the construction and operation of the Garrison Dam. The authority of this return is granted by the Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-602). The fact sheet includes a brief history of the lands in question, the process of the return, and the status of the return.

Memorandum Of Agreement Between The Department Of The Interior And The Department Of The Army Pursuant To Section 206(B) Of The Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act, Public Law 98-602 (1984), United States Department Of The Interior, Us Department Of The Army (Civil Works), Us Department Of Indian Affairs

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This Memorandum of Agreement, dated May 6, 2015, from the United States (US) Department of the Interior, the US Department of the Army (Civil Works), and the US Department of Indian Affairs, outlines the process by which a portion of land that was taken from the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation for construction and operation of the Garrison Dam be returned to the Three Affiliated Tribes. The authority of this return is granted by the Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-602).

Effects Report: Potential Transfer Of Garrison Project Lands Within The Fort Berthold Reservation Boundaries Pursuant To The Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act, United States Army Corps Of Engineers, Omaha District, Nebraska

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This report, dated April 2008, from the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers (Omaha District, Nebraska) explains the potential transfer of unused lands from the Garrison Dam Project to the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation. The land transfer proposed to return a portion of land out of the 153,000 acres taken by the US Government for the construction of the Garrison Dam. The authority of this transfer is granted by the Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-602). This report is broken into six sections: Introduction, Authority, Criteria, Proposed Determination, Determination, and Conclusion. An …