AUBURN -- Patience and perseverance has paid off for local officials who have been embroiled in the Cayuga Nation land claim for most of its 25-year history.

"The turtle won the race, finally," said Cayuga County Legislator Ray Lockwood Tuesday after hearing the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision that awarded the nation up to $248 million.

The Legislature applauded their legal victory at Tuesday's meeting. Bill Dorr, who represents Cayuga and Seneca counties in the land claim, explained the decision to the legislators, but there was little explaining to be done.

"I can't make it any more succinct than to say we won," he said. "I can't think of any better words than 'reversed and dismissed.'"

The court battles may not be over, Dorr said. The nation has applied to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to put land within the land claim area into trust. Cayuga County can file its opinion on the application, which the BIA will consider.

Lockwood, R-Aurelius, said the court's most recent decision shows the state and county shouldn't have jumped into drafting settlements with the nation and other groups.

"Talking about settlements is always a good thing to do. You have to have options," Lockwood said. "But you never take a deal until the cards are all dealt."

But Legislature Chairman Herb Marshall wasn't so quick to dismiss pursuing a settlement when it looked like the right thing to do at the time.

"It's awfully easy to look at what we should have done when we know the outcome," said Marshall, R-Throop. "We had so many decisions against us for a good time."

During the history of the land claim, Legislator George Fearon, R-Springport, had always been concerned about ensuring equality, especially when it comes to taxation.

"It's a good thing that some people in the community and leaders had the vision and held on in the long haul rather than make deals," he said.

Leaders in Seneca County shared the same optimistic reaction to the court's decision.

"This is a truly historic day for the people of Seneca County," said Robert Shipley, chair of the Seneca County Board of Supervisors, in a press release. "After 25 years of living with the uncertainty of the land claim, the citizens finally have a decision that provides them the closure they deserve."

Fayette Supervisor Ed Barto, who represents residents in the land claim area, credited the determination residents in Seneca and Cayuga counties showed by continuing to fight the court's previous decision.

"When everyone else said 'settle' and 'buy them off,' the citizens refused to give in," Barto said. "And now we have a victory in our grasp."

Staff writer Liz Hacken can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or

elizabeth.hacken@lee.net