Apostle Islands bill would create first national park in Wisconsin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation to redesignate the Apostle Islands from a National Lakeshore to a National Park was introduced Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-7, according to a press release from his office.

“The Apostle Islands are one of Wisconsin’s true crown jewels and deserve to be recognized as the state’s first National Park,” Tiffany said. “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.”

The Apostle Islands, established as a National Lakeshore in 1970, have long stood as Wisconsin's leading public land destination, according to the press release. 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, according to the press release. 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, according to the press release.

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.

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act. State Sen. Romaine Robert Quinn, R-25, testified in support of the federal legislation before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Federal Lands. He said the Apostle Islands are a treasured natural resource for Wisconsin and the nation for the pristine beauty, scenery and wildlife.

“The designation of the Apostle Islands as a national park will have a positive impact on our local economy, bringing more visitors to the area who contribute to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and recreational services. Increased tourism will create new job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and support the livelihoods of many residents in the Bayfield area and beyond,” Quinn said in his testimony to support of Tiffany's bill.