Three prominent Wisconsin Republicans are sending a letter to Governor Tony Evers about the recently approved Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary.
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson led his colleagues, 6th district Congressman Glenn Grothman and 8th district representative Mike Gallagher in asking Evers to further protect the interests of the state and local governments, along with affected private citizens by including important language in a yet-to-be-signed memorandum of agreement between the state and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
They’re calling for a state-run review of the management plan of the new soon-to-be designated Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary every 5-years and a process for a re-proposal of the designation in the event the presence and terms of the sanctuary caused negative impacts for coastal communities including Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Sheboygan and Port Washington.
In their letter to the governor, the three men stated that while the marine sanctuary can increase tourism and economic activity along the Lake Michigan shoreline and ensure protection of the many shipwrecks, they’ve also heard from many constituents who oppose or have concerns with the designation.
Those individuals believe the sanctuary could hinder lake ‘access’ for shoreline property owners & other property rights, recreational access, commercial and private fishing rights, and potential mineral rights.
