DNR Publishes Final Decision On Variance To Add Facilities To Newport State Park Day-Use Area

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced a final decision on a proposed variance to the management of Newport State Park.

After reviewing public input on the proposed variance, the DNR has decided to approve it. The variance will allow the construction of an outdoor educational amphitheater and other improvements in the day-use area near Parking Lot 3 on the eastern side of Newport State Park along Newport Bay.

Authorizing this plan change is expected to improve accessibility and safety for park users seeking night sky and nature viewing opportunities and improve the quality of existing educational and recreational programs at the park.

As described in Chapter NR 44 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, a master plan variance is a change in the use or management of an area that is consistent with the area’s land management classification and objectives. In the existing 2018 Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan, the day-use area subject to the variance is designated as a Recreation Management Area with an objective to “provide and maintain attractive and safe grounds for intensive outdoor recreation activities.”

The approved variance can be read online and includes more details about the decision and a summary of public comments. It is also posted on the DNR’s Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan webpage.

Located near the tip of the Door County Peninsula, Newport State Park is known for its scenic beauty. The park offers excellent opportunities for night-sky viewing and interpretive programming and is an International Dark Sky Park.

Questions about the proposed improvements at Newport State Park can be directed to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Eric Hyde, Park Superintendent
Peninsula State Park
9462 Shore Rd.
Fish Creek, WI 54212
Eric.Hyde@wisconsin.gov or 920-3656-6112

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.