Central Wisconsin News

Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) introduced the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act today. This legislation aims to redesignate the Apostle Islands from a National Lakeshore to a National Park. The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a hearing on this legislation tomorrow.

“The Apostle Islands are one of Wisconsin’s true crown jewels and deserve to be recognized as the state’s first National Park. This prestigious designation would not only strengthen conservation efforts, bolster the local economy, and create new job opportunities, but would also ensure lasting environmental and economic security to our region for generations to come,” said Rep. Tiffany.

The Apostle Islands, established as a National Lakeshore in 1970, have long been Wisconsin's leading public land destination. The proposed legislation seeks to elevate the current status of the lakeshore without altering its existing boundaries. Additionally, Sand Island would be designated as a National Preserve to maintain existing hunting access. Fishing and other recreational activities will be protected and managed consistently throughout the park and preserve.

This is not unprecedented; Indiana Dunes was similarly redesignated from a National Lakeshore to a National Park in 2019. While neighboring states like Minnesota, Michigan, and Indiana have national parks, Wisconsin does not yet have one. Proponents argue that creating the Apostle Islands National Park would bring benefits such as additional conservation resources, increased tourism, greater economic output in surrounding communities, and more local jobs.

Supporters of the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act include Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Senator Romaine Quinn (SD-25), Representative Angie Sapik (AD-73), Representative Chanz Green (AD-74), Mayor Gary Gillis of Hayward, Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation, Burnett County Economic Development Corporation, Iron County Economic Development Corporation, Sawyer County/Lac Courte Oreilles Economic Development Corporation, Hayward Chamber of Commerce, Superior Chamber of Commerce, The Development Association – Superior, Northwest Regional Planning Commission, Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board, Town of Barnes, Town of Bass Lake, Town of Brule,Town of Morse,Town of Namakagon,Town of Oliver,Town of Oma,Hunter Nation,and Norvado.

The full text of the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act can be found here. A one-pager can be found here.

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