WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced today that his Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act advanced out of the House Committee on Natural Resources on a 20-17 vote. H.R. 5497 would grant the Apostle Islands the prestigious designation of Wisconsin’s first National Park.
“The Apostle Islands are one of Wisconsin’s greatest natural treasures. With their sandstone cliffs, historic lighthouses, and iconic ice caves, they are worthy of becoming our state’s first National Park. Upgrading them from a National Lakeshore to a National Park would honor our heritage, protect these Lake Superior gems, and strengthen local communities for generations,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany.
“The Apostle Islands are Wisconsin’s Crown Jewel. By elevating this special area to a National Park, more Americans will experience the joys of visiting this natural wonder and nearby communities will reap the economic benefits. I applaud Rep. Tiffany for his leadership to designate Wisconsin’s first and only national park in celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04).
Background:
Designated as a National Lakeshore in 1970, the Apostle Islands are among Wisconsin’s most cherished public lands. Rep. Tiffany’s legislation would raise the current Lakeshore to National Park status without changing its existing boundaries. Sand Island would become a National Preserve to ensure continued hunting access (view map here), and management and protection of the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve would remain under the National Park Service.
Importantly, the legislation affirms all treaty rights and Tribal sovereignty, stating: “Nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting any rights granted, reserved, or established pursuant to treaty, statute, or executive order pertaining to any Tribe, including, but not limited to, rights to hunt, trap, fish, and gather on lands included within the boundary of Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve or any other rights asserted by any Tribe.”
You can learn more about the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act here. You can watch Rep. Tiffany’s remarks in the House Committee on Natural Resources here.