2/13/2026

BAYFIELD COUNTY - A bill that would redesignate the Apostle Islands as Wisconsin’s first national park advanced out of the House Committee on Natural Resources in a narrow vote this week.  The panel approved the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act in a 20-17 vote. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., would elevate the Apostle Islands from a National Lakeshore to a National Park, while keeping current boundaries intact.  Supporters say the change would highlight the area’s sandstone cliffs, historic lighthouses and ice caves, while boosting tourism and local economies. The bill would designate Sand Island as a National Preserve to maintain hunting access.  The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa oppose the change saying there has been no environmental; no economic; no infrastructure; no cultural and treaty rights impact studies done; and no mention of what specific federal fiscal resources this change would bring to the area.”  The Apostle Islands were designated a National Lakeshore in 1970. If approved by Congress and signed into law, the change would make the site Wisconsin’s first national park.