WGF Position Statement – Apostle Islands National Park Proposal

In late July 2024, Congressman Tom Tiffany proposed a bill, HR 9111, to change the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore into a national park and preserve. Read our Wisconsin’s Green Fire position statement below, prepared as of August 15, 2024.

Wisconsin’s Green Fire Position Statement

Proposal to Replace Apostle Islands National Lakeshore with a National Park and Preserve – HR 9111

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore was created through a years-long process of study and in-depth consultation with affected tribes, local communities, and outdoor recreation and sporting groups. Congressman Tiffany’s recent proposal to replace the Lakeshore with a National Park and Preserve is much more than a name change — there would also be significant ecological, economic, social, legal, and operational impacts. An independent review and comprehensive consultation is needed before there can be any meaningful consideration of this proposal.

In the meantime, Wisconsin’s Green Fire opposes HR 9111, and we call on Congressman Tiffany to instead focus on the urgent need for increased funding to address the backlog of projects needed to maintain the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Apostle Islands, photo by Terry Daulton

Media Contact:

1. Carolyn Pralle, WGF Communications and Outreach Coordinator
   info@wigreenfire.org | 715-203-0384 ext. 4

WPR Story featuring interview by Danielle Kaeding with Susan Hedman, August 22, 2024:

• Opposition builds over bill to designate Apostle Islands as a national park – WPR