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
Peninsula State Park Variances
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) initiated two master plan variance processes for the Peninsula State Park portion of the Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan.
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Variance
The Wisconsin DNR approved a master plan variance for the Peninsula State Park portion of the Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan regarding the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. The approved variance authorizes additional developments at the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to expand historical interpretation and provide additional amenities for visitors. The approved variance includes a summary of public input received.
Read the approved Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Variance [PDF]
Eagle Tower Variance
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 February 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.
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.