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.
Boat House at Rock Island State Park.
Planning Update
Newport State Park Variance
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has initiated a master plan variance process for the Newport State Park portion of the Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan and is seeking public input.
This variance proposes construction of a new 100-seat amphitheater, along with other improvements, that would provide new and expanded recreation opportunities within the day-use area near Parking Lot 3, on the eastern side of Newport State Park along Newport Bay.
Read the Newport State Park Dark Sky Amphitheater Variance [PDF]
Learn more about the property on the Newport State Park webpage.
Have your Voice Heard!
The public may submit comments regarding the proposed variance to the Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan through Dec. 4, 2024. Note: the original deadline of Nov. 25, 2024 has been extended.
Comments will be summarized in the variance document after the close of the comment period.
Comments and questions may be submitted to René Buys via email, phone or U.S. mail.
Email: ReneJ.Buys@wisconsin.gov
Phone: 608-982-1688
U.S. Mail: Wisconsin DNR
Attn: René Buys, LF/6
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Peninsula State Park Variance
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources initiated a master plan variance process for the Peninsula State Park portion of the Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan.
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]
The updated Peninsula State Park Eagle Tower parking variance was released for public review and comment on Feb. 27, 2024. The comment period closed on March 29. 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.
For more information, contact Yoyi Steele:
Email: Yoyi.Steele@wisconsin.gov
Phone: 608-590-6027
Learn more about the property on the Peninsula State Park webpage.
Regional Master Plan
The Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan was approved by the Natural Resources Board in August 2018.
Amendments and Variances
The following amendments and variances to the regional plan have been approved.
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.