Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5497
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-11: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 17.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-15T14:35:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act (H.R. 5497) aims to redesignate the existing Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin as a national park and preserve. This change elevates the area's status within the National Park System to enhance protection of its natural, cultural, and historical resources while maintaining certain traditional activities.
Key Provisions
- Redesignation and Boundaries:
- The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, established in 1970, is renamed the "Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve."
- It is divided into two parts:
- Apostle Islands National Park: Covers the area shown on a specific map (titled "Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Proposed Boundaries," numbered 633/193,514, dated October 2024). No protective buffer zones are created around the Ashland Harbor Breakwater Light.
- Apostle Islands National Preserve: Covers a separate area on the same map.
- The entire area is managed as a single unit by the Secretary of the Interior through the National Park Service (NPS).
- Administration:
- Managed under general NPS laws (e.g., those governing preservation, public use, and resource protection in title 54 of the U.S. Code).
- Follows the original 1970 lakeshore law, with updates for the new designation.
- Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping:
- In the National Park: Hunting and trapping are prohibited, except where allowed by tribal treaties, statutes, or executive orders.
- In the National Preserve: Hunting and trapping continue as they were managed before the bill's enactment, following state and federal laws.
- Fishing: Allowed throughout the park and preserve as it was previously, in line with existing laws.
- Activities on private lands within or near the area remain unchanged and follow state and federal rules.
- References and Public Access:
- All laws, maps, and documents referring to the "Apostle Islands National Lakeshore" are updated to the new name.
- The boundary map is available for public inspection at NPS offices.
- Interpretive Features:
- Visitor centers must include signage on the region's history (e.g., Ojibwe tribes, European settlers, fur trade, logging, quarries, lighthouses, and commercial fishing).
- A copy of the Act must be displayed.
- Tribal Rights:
- The Act does not affect any treaty, statutory, or executive order rights of tribes, including hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering on the lands.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Status Upgrade: Shifts from a "national lakeshore" (a less protective designation focused on shoreline areas) to a "national park and preserve." National parks generally emphasize stricter conservation, while preserves allow more traditional uses like hunting in designated areas.
- Split Designation: Introduces a dual structure (park and preserve), prohibiting hunting and trapping in the park portion but permitting them in the preserve—unlike the uniform lakeshore management before.
- No Major Alterations to Core Management: Retains prior rules for fishing and most activities, but adds interpretive requirements and explicit tribal protections.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The NPS gains responsibility for administering the upgraded unit, potentially requiring minor updates to operations, signage, and maps. No new funding is specified, so it may rely on existing budgets.
- Citizens and Visitors: Enhances prestige and visibility, possibly boosting tourism and education about the area's history. Recreation like fishing continues unchanged, but hunting/trapping is restricted in the park area, affecting some outdoor enthusiasts.
- Local Communities: Supports economic benefits from increased visitation while preserving access for traditional activities on private lands.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic land management.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Park Service (NPS): Primary administrator, responsible for boundary enforcement, interpretation, and resource protection.
- Ojibwe Tribes and Indigenous Communities: Benefit from preserved treaty rights to hunt, fish, and gather, ensuring cultural continuity.
- Local Residents and Businesses: In Wisconsin's Apostle Islands region, including Ashland and Bayfield counties; may see tourism growth but face activity restrictions in the park.
- Recreational Users: Hunters, fishers, trappers, and boaters; some face prohibitions in the park but retain access in the preserve and for fishing.
- General Public and Tourists: Gain improved educational resources and protected natural areas for enjoyment.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces NPS authority under existing federal conservation laws (e.g., title 54, U.S. Code) without creating new regulatory burdens. Explicitly protects tribal treaty rights, aligning with federal Indian law and avoiding conflicts with Supreme Court precedents on tribal sovereignty.
- Constitutional: No apparent challenges; the bill respects property rights on private lands and Fifth Amendment due process by not altering pre-existing uses without compensation.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support from Wisconsin representatives, emphasizing environmental preservation alongside local traditions. Could set a precedent for redesignating other lakeshores into parks, balancing conservation with recreational access in politically sensitive rural areas.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-11: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 17.
- 2026-02-11: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-09-18: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (6 pages)