Could Apostle Island be a national park?

BAYFIELD — An effort by Rep. Tom Tiffany, Wisconsin’s District 7 Congressman, to change the status of Lake Superior’s Apostle Island National Lakeshore into a national park is gaining traction. Tiffany recently notified the Bayfield County Board of his proposal, stating a representative from his office would like to make a presentation to the county’s Executive Committee on July 11.

The Apostle Island National Lakeshore became a reality in 1970, joining other waters, both seaside and lakeshores, with the same designation. These protected areas were first designated in 1930 when Congress established them using the premise “the principle of conserving the natural beauty of shore lines for recreational use,” according to achieved documents.

One significant difference between national parks and lakeshores is that hunting is not allowed in national park. Since national lake and seashores are designated for recreational purposes, hunting is allowed.

Since both national lakeshores and national parks are both protected from development, some have asked why change the current designation. The primary reason is centered on the economic engine a national park generates for both a state and the immediate area.

According to Tiffany, in 2022 visitor spending in communities near national parks generated a $50.3 billion boost to the nation’s economy and supported 378,400 jobs. A further explanation from the congressman’s office states that by changing the current designation from national lakeshore to national park, local communities will see “enhanced economic growth, more visitation and expanded job opportunities.”

There would likely also be a significant increase in funding from both state and federal governments aimed at enhancing conservation efforts, education programs and community develop to support the national park.

Since hunting isn’t allowed in national parks and concerns are over reduced opportunities for sportsmen, a designated portion of the area would be set aside as a national reserve. According to Tiffany’s office, from 2014-22, only three deer have been harvested on the National Lakeshore, while Madeline Island has had 655 deer harvested in that timeframe. Madeline Island lies outside the boundaries of the national lakeshore and proposed park.

National reserves are considered to be parts of national parks but allow for slightly broader use and have been determined to be necessary compared to the restrictions typically applied in national parks.

Tiffany’s Chief of Staff Jason Bauknecht said, “We are in the process of gathering local support and it’s going very well.”