>> Finally tonight, what's in a name?

A federal bill authored by Congressman Tom Tiffany to re designate the Apostle Islands from a national lakeshore to a national park is, for some, a practical opportunity to attract more tourists to what would be the first and only national park in Wisconsin.

But there's opposition from local governments, including the Red Cliff band of Lake Superior Chippewa, who stressed their obligation to preserve their homelands.

Reporter Erika Ayisi traveled to Bayfield County to hear how the community feels about the name change.

This report was made in collaboration with Here and Now, and I see Te, formerly Indian country today.

>> As Raspberry Beach is another spot that a lot of bullets Moore right there overnight.

>> The beach is just one of the majestic spots on a cluster of islands off Bayfield, in the northernmost tip of Wisconsin.

They are sacred to the Red Cliff tribal community.

not a play land for us.

>> Nicole Boyd is chairwoman of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

>> We came here as part of a prophecy of the traveling to where the food is on the water.

the Wisconsin side of Lake Superior.

It's 32,000mi!S of the largest freshwater lake in the world.

Known for its pristine waters, historic lighthouses, sea caves, and red sandstone cliffs, the Apostle Islands attract millions of visitors each year.

>> We have an incredible responsibility, and tourism is a part of that.

>> Most of the islands here are a part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Tom Tiffany, current congressman for the seventh district, is proposing a bill to redesignate what he calls the crown jewel of Wisconsin.

>> By elevating the Apostle Islands from a national lakeshore to a national park.

We can ensure that thousands more are able to visit this area.

>> Boyd says news of Tiffany's proposal was shocking.

>> First of all, says who?

>> The Red Cliff band maintains hunting rights for tribal members, including the Apostle Islands.

Tiffany says the proposal affirms those treaty rights for all others.

He says even though hunting is not permitted in national parks, it would be on 1 Island.

>> My bill also maintains the heritage of hunting within the Apostle Islands by designating, designating Sand Island, a popular hunting destination as the Sand Island National Preserve.

>> Tiffany says his bill incorporated tribal input on treaty rights.

>> I would also like to note that tribal members were the first to receive any drafts of this bill, and it is from consulting with them and receiving their input that we have included that language.

>> Boyd says the Tribal Council responded to the draft with concerns about the environment, economy and resources.

>> We've never had a meeting.

We've never met as a governing body with Representative Tiffany.

He's never sent his staff here to meet with our team.

>> With the draft resolution, did it mention any financial support to make changes that he propose?

>> Not that we're aware of.

>> Boyd says the Red Cliff Tribal Council was told an increase in tourism would generate revenue.

After the name change.

>> That's what the increase in tourism is going to do.

And the vice chair asking, so the check's in the mail, right?

>> If passed, the Apostle Islands would be Wisconsin's first national park, Boyd says the Red Cliff owns frog Bay Tribal National Park, and it's already a first for the state and the nation.

>> And again, has just felt a little spited that our own representative of our state has not acknowledged.

>> Right behind me is just one of 22 Apostle islands near the Red Cliff band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Over 4 million people visited these islands and Bayfield County in 2025.

But Bayfield County officials say they also oppose a new national park designation, and they're worried about managing emergency services in this rural community.

>> We're missing calls.

We don't mean to be, but we don't.

We're having trouble manning our EMS.

We're already in a a pretty dire situation.

>> Jan Lee, Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, says about 16,000 people live in Bayfield County, and their tax dollars are responsible for providing emergency services for all visitors.

>> In order to cover that, we have to, you know, raise our levy.

We have to raise the taxes.

>> The National Park Service manages the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Boyd says they are short staffed.

dangerous.

If you are a visitor coming here and we don't have enough law enforcement staff that can respond to an emergency on the lake.

>> Back in Bayfield, Dan Cardinal visits Lake Superior from Wanaka every year and says he supports the bill.

>> Cautiously I do.

I mean, if it guarantees the future of Apostle Islands to continue in the path they've been on for the last 100 years, absolutely.

>> He offers support with caution after reportedly hearing the Trump administration's suggestion to sell some of the nation's parks.

>> The Apostle Islands are not subject to that kind of action right now, and that would make me think like, maybe we shouldn't rush into this.

>> Leave the beauty alone.

>> Christie Branagan is an enrolled member of the Red Cliff band and lives on the reservation.

And she says more tourists might interrupt their ceremonies.

>> A lot of people hold ceremonies down by the water.

Gichi-gami Lake Superior, and with a lot of people coming in tourism, we don't want to be disturbed.

>> Boyd says she doesn't expect people to understand the Red cliffs frustrations with Redesignating, the Apostle Islands.

>> I've heard people say, well, if if the name change isn't the big deal, what's the big deal?

>> She says it's more than a change in name.

>> It is understanding the obligation to protect and preserve this land.

And all the beings here and our water for everyone.

>> In Bayfield.

I'm Eric Ayisi for here and Now.

And I see te.

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