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Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Ecological Landscape

Regional Master Plan

This regional plan covers the Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Ecological Landscape and includes wildlife areas, state parks, natural areas, state forests and fishery areas within five counties: Door, Oconto, Marinette, Waupaca and Shawano. These lands contain a wide variety of habitat, including the Niagara escarpment, wetlands, bogs, forests and sand dunes, while providing for year-round recreation opportunities.

Rocky beach and historic boat house at Rock Island State Park

Boat House at Rock Island State Park.

Planning Update

Peninsula State Park Variances

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has initiated a master plan variance process for the Peninsula State Park portion of the Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan. Two variances are being proposed.

Eagle Tower Variance

The Peninsula State Park Eagle Tower parking variance proposes to add additional parking and reroute or reconfigure access roads to expand capacity, improve public safety and alleviate congestion at Eagle Tower, Eagle Terrace and Eagle Panorama.

This variance was originally released for public review and comment on Jan. 24, 2024, with the comment period closing on Feb. 8. Initial public feedback indicated the need for additional information about proposed changes. The department has updated the variance with this information.

Read The Updated Peninsula State Park Eagle Tower Parking Variance [PDF]

View The Concept Drawings Added To The Updated Variance [PDF]

Learn more about the property on the Peninsula State Park webpage.

Have Your Voice Heard!

The department is seeking public review and comment on the updated Peninsula State Park Eagle Tower parking variance.

The comment period for the updated Peninsula State Park Eagle Tower parking variance is open through March 29, 2024.

Comments will be summarized in the variance document after the close of the comment period.

Comments may be submitted to Yoyi Steele, Property Planner, via email, phone or U.S. Mail.

Email: Yoyi.Steele@wisconsin.gov

Phone: 608-590-6027

U.S. Mail: Wisconsin DNR
                 Attn: Yoyi Steele LF/6
                 PO Box 7921
                 Madison, WI 53707-7921

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Variance

The Peninsula State Park Eagle Bluff Lighthouse variance proposes to authorize additional developments at the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to expand historical interpretation and provide additional amenities for visitors.

Read The Peninsula State Park Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Variance [PDF]

This variance was released for public review and comment on Jan. 24, 2024. The public comment period closed on Feb. 8. The department is reviewing the public input received and will make a final decision on the proposed variance. The final decision, including a summary of public input received, will be posted when complete.

Regional Master Plan

The Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan was approved by the Natural Resources Board in August 2018.

The interactive map below shows many of the larger, more popular DNR properties in the Northern Lake Michigan Coastal region. View all properties in the region and access additional map data with the Property Planning Viewer.

Access a full-screen version of the Interactive Map of Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan Properties. If the map is not loading, please be sure your pop-up blocker is turned off.