A civil lawsuit has been filed against the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by a group of citizens, alleging that the agency improperly removed trees and conducted road work at Potawatomi State Park in Door County, Wisconsin.

Concerns Over Park Management

The lawsuit, filed by Potawatomi Advocates for Trees, Conservation and Heritage (PATCH), seeks a court order to stop the agency from causing further damage to the park. The Friends of Potawatomi State Park, a separate organization, has spoken out about the issue, stating that they do not design, approve, or oversee construction projects, and are not responsible for the public planning process.

In May 2026, the Friends Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution requesting involvement and information from the DNR related to future project design and planning initiatives. The organization is committed to bringing together volunteers, the DNR, and the public to discuss future needs in the park.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.