Equestrian Trail Expansion At Newport State Park Under Review

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) published a summary of public comments on a proposed master plan variance to allow an expansion of equestrian trails in Newport State Park. The 2018 Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan authorized four to six miles of equestrian trails in a defined portion of two of the park’s management areas. In working with the local equestrian club, the department concluded that the area initially envisioned for equestrian trails would not provide high quality experiences, in either location or distance. The proposed master plan variance would allow equestrian trails to be located throughout Management Areas 1 and 2 and increase the authorized miles of equestrian trails up to 10 miles. A decision from the DNR on the variance is expected by the end of this month.