H.R. 5497: Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act

This bill aims to redesignate the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore as the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve. The main provisions of the bill include:

Redesignation of the Area

The current Apostle Islands National Lakeshore will be known as the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve. This includes:

• Apostle Islands National Park
• Apostle Islands National Preserve

Boundaries

The boundaries of the Apostle Islands National Park will follow the area shown in the proposed boundary map. There will be no protective perimeter around the Ashland Harbor Breakwater Light.

The boundaries of the Apostle Islands National Preserve will also follow the area indicated in the proposed boundary map.

Administration

The Secretary of the Interior will manage the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve as a part of the National Park System according to existing laws that govern such areas. Key aspects include:

• Hunting and trapping will be prohibited in the national park, except as allowed by specific treaties or laws related to Tribal lands.
• Hunting and trapping will continue in the national preserve as it was prior to the bill’s enactment, following existing laws.
• Fishing will also be administered in the same manner as before, within both the park and preserve territories.
• Private land uses will not be affected by this bill as long as they comply with applicable laws.

References and Map

All references to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in laws, documents, and maps will be understood to mean Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve going forward. A new map, detailing the proposed boundaries, will be available for public inspection in relevant National Park Service offices.

Interpretive Features

The park and preserve will include educational signage at visitor centers, highlighting the region's history, including:

• The Ojibwe tribes
• Early European settlers
• The fur trade
• Logging activities
• Stone quarries
• Lighthouses
• Commercial fishing

Treaty and Reserved Rights

This bill will not affect any existing rights of Tribes, such as hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering, on the lands that will now be known as Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve.

Definitions

The bill includes specific definitions, including the term "Map," which refers to the proposed boundaries map labeled as Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Proposed Boundaries.

The term "Secretary" refers to the Secretary of the Interior, who will oversee the administration of the park and preserve.

Relevant Companies

None found.