Laws and Regulations pertaining to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) are found in a wide mix of sources. General regulations for National Park Service (NPS) areas are, for the most part, contained in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Park-specific rules are contained in the superintendent's compendium to CFR 36. Other applicable rules originate from various state statutes and Federal regulations which are assimilated (18 U.S.C.§ 13) for use at APIS. This is particularly true in the case of traffic, boating, hunting, fishing, and trapping management at the park. Title 16 of United States Code addresses most of the major conservation Federal laws and Title 18 covers Federal Criminal statues.

The Lakeshore is managed under what is known as Concurrent Jurisdiction. This basically means that the State of Wisconsin (Police, Conservation, Fish and Game departments, etc.), County Sheriff's, Township constables, and other non-Federal agencies share jurisdiction on park lands and waters. In addition to Federal officers from numerous agencies (including the U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol, US Customs, FBI, US Fish and Wildlife Service, etc.), officers of the non-Federal agencies actively enforce their rules and regulations at various times and places within the park. This is also true of Tribal officers since all of the park is either a part of the local Indian Reservations or within an area defined as ceded Indian territory.

If there is any doubt regarding law enforcement issues always contact a law enforcement ranger for clarification.

National Park Service Management Policies (PDF, 1.1mb)

United States Code (U.S.C.)

         Conservation, Title 16   

Crimes, Title 18

Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.)

National Park Service, Title 36

US Coast Guard, Title 33

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Enabling Legislation

Superintendent's Compendium (PDF; 1.3 mb)  
Summary of park specific rules and Regulations