Congress·In Progress·H.R. 5497

Apostle Islands: National Park Redesignation

Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

This bill would change the name of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin to the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve. If passed, this would create the first official National Park in the state of Wisconsin.
The area would be divided into two sections. The 'National Park' portion would focus on conservation and would generally ban hunting and trapping. The 'National Preserve' portion would continue to allow hunting and trapping exactly as it is permitted today.
Fishing rules would not change under this plan. Additionally, the bill explicitly protects all existing treaty rights for Native American Tribes, ensuring they can still hunt, fish, and gather on the land as they have in the past.
The government would be required to add new educational displays at visitor centers. these signs would explain the history of the region, including the stories of the Ojibwe tribes, the fur trade, logging, and the area's famous lighthouses.

3 milestones4 actions

Feb 11, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 17.

Feb 11, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Sep 18, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sep 18, 2025

Introduced in House

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act

Bill NumberHR 5497

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionOrdered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 17.

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R: 5

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

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