DNR Will Expand Parking Lot, But Not Horse Trail

An evening along the shore of Lynd Point at Newport State Park. File photo by Jessica Gatzow.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Jan. 12 decided not to approve elements of a variance that would have increased the total miles of equestrian trails from 4-6 miles up to 10 miles, and shifted their location within the park to route them away from karst topography.

The DNR did approve another component of the variance request to allow construction of a new parking lot in a former gravel pit along Newport Land. 

The DNR made its decisions after reviewing public input on the proposed variance.

The additional parking lot will be strategically located to provide direct public access to the future equestrian trails that have been approved in the existing 2018 Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan.

The public can view the final variance document online. Questions on the variance can be directed to John Pohlman, DNR Property Planner, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or [email protected].