News Release

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Implements Federal Mask Requirement for COVID-19 Prevention and Protection

Date: March 24, 2021
Contact: Julie Van Stappen, 715-779-9119

Bayfield, WI. To protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and National Park Service (NPS) facilities, and in support of President Biden’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, NPS is immediately implementing a mask requirement for employees, visitors, partners and contractors.

“As spring arrives and temperatures warm, we expect heavy visitation to begin. Everyone needs to wear a mask inside facilities, on commercial boat tours, and in outdoor areas where social distancing is not possible including on our narrow trails and stairs," said park superintendent Lynne Dominy. “We need everyone to protect other unvaccinated visitors and our community from the spread of this virus by continuing to practice social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing.”

At Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, face masks are now required in all park buildings and facilities, including visitor centers and lighthouses. Masks are also required by anyone over the age of two years old on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained. This includes all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, rented, or leased by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, and gift shops. Also, all outdoor areas, when others are present and, physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot reasonably be maintained [e.g., trails, beaches, docks, viewpoints, and stairways].

As conditions are subject to change, visitors should check the park’s website and social media channels for details on operations before they visit. Other tips to recreate responsibly are available on NPS.gov. Park rangers are on duty to provide information, protect visitors and park resources, and uphold this requirement.

For information about the Apostle Islands 50th Anniversary, visit our website. Send 50th Anniversary inquiries via email to [e-mail].

Mark your calendars and register now for the Apostle Islands 50th Anniversary Resource Stewardship Symposium (March 30-31). To add an event to the 2021 Anniversary calendar, become a sponsor, or partner with “Friends” to create an anniversary logoed product, visit the website for Friends of the Apostle Islands.

For more information about Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, please visit our website or call [phone]. Join Apostle Island’s on-line conversations on Facebook and YouTube.