DNR Publishes Summary Of Public Comments On Newport State Park Variance

STURGEON BAY, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that it has published a summary of public comments it received on a proposed master plan variance to allow an expansion of equestrian trails in Newport State Park. In addition to the summary, the public can view all comments submitted.

A master plan variance is a change in management activity or use described in the master plan that is consistent with the area’s land management classification and does not constitute a change in an objective for management or public use of the area as specified in the plan. 

The 2018 Northern Lake Michigan Coastal (NLMC) Regional Master Plan authorized four to six miles of equestrian trails in a defined portion of two of the park’s management areas. In working with the local equestrian club, the department has concluded that the area initially envisioned for equestrian trails would not provide high quality experiences, in either location or distance. The proposed master plan variance would allow equestrian trails to be located throughout Management Areas 1 and 2 and increase the authorized miles of equestrian trails up to 10 miles.

A public comment period for the proposed variance ran from Aug. 16 to Sept. 16, 2023. The department received input by email, phone and letters.

The DNR appreciates the public's interest in the property and the time people took to convey their perspectives.

The department anticipates deciding whether to move forward with this proposed variance by the end of November. It will post the decision on the DNR website and send out a GovDelivery message at that time.

Located in Door County, Newport State Park offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and backpack camping as a quiet alternative to bustling Door County. At the far end of the Door Peninsula, Newport is also designated as a Dark Sky Park. 

Questions on the summary of comments or the proposed variance can be directed to:

John Pohlman, DNR Property Planner
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
John.Pohlman@wisconsin.gov or 608-264-6263