A bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, would redesignate the Apostle Islands as a national park, which Tiffany said will result in a rise in tourism to the area.
The Apostle Islands are a national treasure, and their official designation since 1970 is as a national lakeshore. It’s similar to a national forest or national park, but not quite at the same level.
The new designation would create the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve, which would be Wisconsin’s only national park.
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Critics opposing the redesignation, including some local officials and island advocates, said the area is already at capacity handling summer visitors.
WPR’s Robin Washington spoke with Tiffany on “Morning Edition” this week.
The following conversation was edited for brevity and clarity.
Robin Washington: What is the difference between a National Lakeshore and a National Park, and what are the benefits of changing the designation?
Tom Tiffany: There’s not a lot of difference in terms of how the National Park Service manages it, but we believe it is an elevation. As you said, this is a national treasure. That’s the reason we are advancing this bill. It already has the protections of a national Lakeshore.
The most special places in America are national parks, and there are some that deserve that designation. This is one of them.
RW: Do we need the increased tourism that it may bring? The mayor of Bayfield says his city is already at capacity and they can’t handle too much more.
TT: We’ve heard from many economic development people and there have been one or two like the mayor of Bayfield who said, “No, we don’t want any more tourism.” Most people are saying yes.
I think back in my years in the Legislature — in places where industrial business was leaving, people were saying, “Let’s get some tourism to replace that.” This is an example of being able to get more tourism.
RW: Your proposal has received support from various officials in the region, but others say it caught them by surprise. Both supporters and critics cross political lines, by the way.
TT: Yes, this really should be a nonpartisan issue. We had an initial hearing to get input from people and we appreciate that input, including those that may have criticism. At the end of the day, I think you’re going to see really broad support for this.
RW: The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has its reservation adjacent to the lakeshore. They’ve issued a statement opposing the bill, specifically stating that they say they haven’t received sufficient communication about the change, and they cite a lack of an environmental impact study, economic infrastructure, and a cultural and treaty rights study. What’s your response to that?
TT: We had robust outreach. We spoke with their consultant in Washington. This has been in the works for about two years and we’ve really worked diligently through the process. We also have worked with the National Park Service to make sure that this does not affect the treaty rights of the tribes that are affected.
We have been assured by the National Park Service that this does not diminish any existing treaty rights that are there, but we are willing to add an amendment to reinforce that we will not be diminishing treaty rights.
RW: What’s the next step and when might we see the Apostles on a National Park Service map?
TT: I hope we’ll be able to get it done yet this session. If we’re not able to accomplish it this fall, I’ll be sure to bring it back the next session of Congress. And on a bipartisan basis. The Apostle Islands deserve it.
If you have an idea about something in northern Wisconsin you think we should talk about on “Morning Edition,” send it to us at northern@wpr.org.
