Bills · HR 5497
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5497Historic sites and heritage areasLand use and conservation
Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act
INTRO SEP 18· LAST ACTION FEB 11
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
5
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because reclassifying a protected area as a "National Park" can significantly impact its public perception, tourism, and conservation priorities. National Parks often attract more visitors than National Lakeshores, potentially boosting the local economy through increased tourism but also requiring careful management of resources due to higher foot traffic. The new designation could elevate the area's national and international profile, highlighting its unique natural and cultural features.
Furthermore, the division into a "Park" and "Preserve" balances different interests: stricter conservation (no hunting/trapping) in the Park alongside continued traditional recreational uses (hunting/trapping) in the Preserve. If this bill becomes law, it would lead to a shift in how certain activities are permitted in different parts of the area, potentially altering visitor experiences and wildlife management strategies. If it doesn't pass, the area would remain a National Lakeshore with its current rules and designation.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore would be renamed and redesignated as the "Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve."
This change elevates the area's status within the National Park System, potentially increasing its national recognition and tourism appeal.
PROVISION 02
The redesignated area would be split into two distinct units: Apostle Islands National Park and Apostle Islands National Preserve.
This division creates different management zones, allowing for varied rules regarding activities like hunting and trapping within the overall area.
PROVISION 03
Hunting and trapping would generally be prohibited within the Apostle Islands National Park, but would continue in the Apostle Islands National Preserve under existing rules.
This provision changes what recreational activities are allowed in certain parts of the area, impacting both wildlife management and visitor use.
PROVISION 04
Fishing would continue to be administered in the same manner as it was within the Lakeshore prior to the bill's enactment, across both the Park and Preserve.
This ensures consistency for anglers and maintains established fishing practices despite the area's reclassification.
PROVISION 05
The bill explicitly states that existing rights of Native American tribes, including hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering, are not affected by this Act.
This protects long-standing tribal treaty and reserved rights within the newly designated protected area.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 5
R· Wisconsin
YRS IN OFFICE
6
BILLS LED
17
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 5 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTSFEB 11
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
FEB 11
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 17.
SEP 18
Introduced in House
SEP 18
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5497
Congress119th
StatusReported
IntroducedSep 18, 2025
Last actionFeb 11, 2026
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REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 18, 2025
House BillHR 5497Historic sites and heritage areasLand use and conservation
Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act
INTRODUCED SEP 18, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 11, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
5
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
