The Mattaponi Tribe of Virginia has asked the state Supreme Court to review rulings denying the tribe's treaty rights on the Mattaponi River.

The tribe is opposing the creation of the 12.2 billion-gallon King William Reservoir. The tribe says it would flood sacred sites and destroy a fishery.

The lower courts have ruled that the tribe's 1677 Treaty at Middle Plantation does not apply to the permit process for the reservoir. The tribe says the treaty bars development within a three-mile boundary of its reservation.

Get the Story:
Tribe appeals to state's high court (The Hampton Roads Daily Press 10/6)

Related Stories:
Treaty rights referred to Virginia Supreme Court (09/03)
Judge: Treaty doesn't apply to permit process (4/4)