DNR Seeks Public Comment On Updated Eagle Tower Parking Variance

A high volume of visitors to Peninsula State Park created parking and traffic problems at Eagle Panorama in October of 2021. Photo by Brett Kosmider.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on a revised variance to the Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan. The updated variance provides additional detail about the changes proposed in the Peninsula State Park Eagle Tower parking variance.

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.

The variance proposes to add additional parking to expand capacity, improve public safety and alleviate congestion at Eagle Tower, Eagle Terrace and Eagle Panorama. This could include rerouting or reconfiguring the access roads associated with these parking areas.

The variance was first released for public review and comment on Jan. 24, 2024, with the comment period ending on Feb. 8. But that did not include maps or images of the proposed changes. The department has now provided additional detail about the changes proposed in the variance and added concept drawings to illustrate the scope of the changes proposed.

The public can review the updated variance and the concept drawings by visiting the DNR’s Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan webpage.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the proposed variance to the Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan by March 29, 2024, by contacting Property Planer Yoyi Steele at [email protected] or 608.590.6027.