State Leader Hears from Friends and National Park Service About Accessibility Projects

Meeting about public access and coastal management projects

July 1, 2022

Coastal management and accessibility projects were on the agenda, as Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore participated in discussions with Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld.

The Secretary met on June 29th with representatives from the Ashland, Bayfield and Red Cliff communities in Northwest Wisconsin, as well as six organizations and community groups providing housing, coastal management and conservation services in Ashland and Bayfield counties.

In Bayfield, the Secretary met with City of Bayfield staff, former Bayfield mayor and chair of the Coastal Management Council Larry MacDonald, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore park superintendent Lynne Dominy, and several stakeholders from the Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Landmark Conservancy, to discuss ongoing public access and coastal management projects. The city recently completed a Waterfront Walk project which received Wisconsin Coastal Management Program funding.

Meeting about public access and coastal management projects

(L-R: James Yach, DNR; Kathy Blumenfeld, DOA; Billie Hoopman, City of Bayfield; Jeffrey Rennicke, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore; Julie Van Stappen, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore;  Lynne Dominy, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore)  – News Release photo

Bayfield County experienced a 22% increase in tourism spending in 2021 while Ashland County experienced a 19% increase. reflecting the impact from Governor Tony Evers’ focus and investment to support tourism. “We don’t feel left out,” said Erica Peterson, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore board member.

“What an incredible opportunity to see the impact of state investment and community partnerships and collaboration firsthand, across Northwestern Wisconsin,” said DOA Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld in a news release. “We’re so proud to support ongoing efforts to help the crown jewel of our state to continue to rebuild and thrive.”

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