WGBA -You Ask We Investigate: DNR Land Battle
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The Wied family has owned property in Wausaukee for more than 40 years. Now, the family is battling the state to keep that property. The Department of Natural Resources contests the Wieds claim to the property and wants them to give it up.
The argument is over property lines. The DNR says it begins 150 feet away, right where the Wieds have established their second home and built a lifetime of memories. "This is where we learned how to swim, fish, and boat." Gerald Wied told us.
Wied says his father bought the land when he was a kid. But in 2004, the DNR told him no new memories could happen there. "That tradition of going up north would end for us." Most of the land, apparently belongs to the state. "It's been systematic bullying for 4 years. It's been a tough road for us."
The DNR re-surveyed the 3.4 acres of land and moved the property line down a considerable amount, leaving Wied with what he says is only a 180 foot lot. "The property hadn't been surveyed since the 1800's. There were no monuments to find. We're still not sure what they marked is correct."
The Wied's took the DNR to court. But a Judge would not "grandfather" the property. Because the Judge ruled the family didn't actually own it for forty years. The kicker? "They determined in 2004, we came up one year short. Wied said.
Now Wied is going back to court on Tuesday asking the Judge to reconsider. A spokesperson for the DNR says "We believe the decision of the court on record was the correct one and believe the court should affirm its decision."
But Wied says; "It's something we're not willing to walk away from."
This land battle is getting some attention from State Senator Allan Lasee of De Pere. He calls the Wied's situation a 'gross injustice and has introduced a bill that would allow the family to buy the property back from the DNR for only a dollar. That bill is awaiting a hearing in the State Senate.
