Bill would make Apostle Islands Wisconsin’s first National Park

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On July 25, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) introduced the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act. This legislation will re-designate the Apostle Islands from a National Lakeshore to a National Park. Friday, July 26, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on this legislation.

“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 Tiffany.

The Apostle Islands, established as a National Lakeshore in 1970, have long stood as Wisconsin’s leading public land destination. Specifically, this legislation would elevate the current National Lakeshore as a National Park without altering its existing boundaries. The Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act would also designate Sand Island as a National Preserve to maintain existing hunting access. Fishing and other recreational activities will be protected and will be managed consistently throughout the National Park and Preserve.

This would not be the first time a National Lakeshore became a National Park. In 2019, Indiana Dunes, once a National Lakeshore, was designated as a National Park. While our neighboring states of Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana all enjoy national parks, Wisconsin does not yet have one, and the iconic features of these unique islands are deserving of this long-overdue recognition. Creating the Apostle Islands National Park would bring numerous benefits, including additional conservation resources, heightened prestige, increased tourism and greater economic output in the surrounding communities, thus supporting more local jobs.

Officials/organizations supporting 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), Sen. Romaine Quinn (SD-25), Rep. Angie Sapik (AD-73), Rep. 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 Area 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.