Benishek’s Sleeping Bear Dunes “Wilderness” Legislation Moves Toward Becoming Law

Legislation unanimously passes mark-up hearing and is positioned for full house floor vote

From staff reports

Today, Congressman Dan Benishek’s (Republican of Michigan) legislation to protect the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was unanimously passed by the House Committee on Natural Resources during a key Congressional mark-up hearing. The legislation now is set to move to the House floor for a final vote.

“This is a big win for Sleeping Bear Dunes and all of Northern Michigan,” Benishek said in a press statement. “For the first time, this important legislation is set to move to the House floor for a full vote. The dunes are an amazing natural wonder and are also a cornerstone of our local economy up here. That’s why it’s so important that we ensure the dunes are protected for future generations to enjoy. There is still more work to do, and I’m going to keep pushing for this legislation to get to the floor and be sent to the president’s desk.”

Benishek’s legislation would designate approximately 32,500 acres of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as “wilderness” areas. This bill ensures that natural features of the area will be preserved, while protecting county roads, historical structures, and access to recreation and enjoyment of the lake. The right to hunt and fish in designated wilderness areas is specifically protected in this legislation.

Read our feature story about how the “wilderness” legislation would guarantee accessibility to the National Lakeshore, and how this initiative represents a Park staff that’s more receptive to local community input.