Voyageurs National Park Needs Your Voice

Updated March 20, 2025:

Voyageurs Conservancy continues to monitor policy developments impacting Voyageurs National Park, doing our best to keep this community informed in ever-changing circumstances, and supporting vital programs that ensure the park’s conservation, recreation, and education initiatives continue to thrive.

Voyageurs National Park staff protect a piece of Minnesota history, safeguard wildlife, preserve and maintain our public lands and waters, and instill a sense of wonder in visitors from all over - of every generation. Their work may not always be visible, but these folks are the beating heart of our national park.

National Parks, including Voyageurs, are already understaffed. According to the National Parks Conservation Association, the National Park workforce has declined by 20% since 2010, even as visitation has surged by 16%. For every dollar Congress invests in national parks, more than $15 is generated for local economies. Underfunding our parks hurts the communities and businesses that rely on them.

Here’s some new information as of March 20, 2025:

• Recent court rulings have reinstated the 1,000 National Park Service employees who lost their jobs on February 14. This is a step in the right direction.
  

• The summer seasonal hiring freeze was lifted on February 21, and hiring is proceeding for the summer season. Hiring freezes remain on most other positions. Seasonal hires are essential for interpretive programs and boat tours, summer wildlife monitoring, invasive species prevention, campsite and trail maintenance, and more.
  

• Another round of staffing reductions is being proposed that would greatly reduce the capacity of the National Park Service. Staffing cuts, ongoing hiring freezes, and funding uncertainty continue to create immense pressure on the people who care for and protect our national parks. Voyageurs National Park currently has 12 staff vacancies from its full staffing levels already. It is unable to hire these roles due to budget limitations and hiring freezes.
  

• Over 700 NPS staff have accepted federal buyouts. The loss of experienced NPS staff means losing institutional knowledge that could take years to rebuild, impacting how our national parks are managed and cared for in the future.
  

• The National Park Service’s lease at the new Crane Lake Visitor Center (opening this summer) is not impacted but recent cancelations of building leases across the agency. Other NPS sites in our region were highly impacted by these cancellations.
  

• Voyageurs Conservancy would like to thank Senator Smith for her recent co-sponsorship of the Protect Our Parks Act of 2025.
  

As the National Park Service faces more proposed cuts, the time to act is now. We must urge Congress to protect Voyageurs National Park, the National Park Service, and the staff who preserve these natural wonders.

How can you help? 

• Call your Representatives
  Speak up! We need you to be a voice for our park rangers, biologists, maintenance teams, campsite stewards, educators, archaeologists and boat captains. Urge Congress to stand up for national parks, local jobs, and economies by rolling back cuts and restoring staff.
   

• Support local businesses
  Our amazing gateway communities include resort owners, boat operators, water taxis, fishing guides, restaurants, outfitting services, and other local providers who already play an essential role in welcoming and supporting park visitors. Their services will be even more critical if park operations continue to diminish.
   

• Consider a Donation
  Support Voyageurs Conservancy with a special gift to help protect Minnesota’s national park and advocate for its future.
    

• Leave No Trace
  With fewer staff in the field, it’s more important than ever to take care of our national parks and practice Leave No Trace principles.

What remains constant through all this change is our shared love of Voyageurs National Park and our collective commitment to our mission and work. Through our conservation, education, and community building efforts, we work side by side with our members and the National Park Service to create a better future for this place.

We are hopeful that 2025 will be a year of celebration for Voyageurs National Park’s 50th anniversary, supported by a robust team of park staff who are the heart of this special place. But protecting that future requires action. Together, let's raise awareness and speak up for our park to ensure Voyageurs remains protected for generations to come.

---

Take Action! Find and contact your elected officials here.

Call Script:

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City, State]. I’m calling because I’m deeply concerned about funding and staffing cuts to the National Park Service. These cuts threaten visitor safety, park maintenance, and conservation efforts. I am calling on Congress to rescind recent staff reductions and ensure our parks are fully funded and staffed.

Voyageurs National Park [or other national park] is special to me because [personal reason] Please work to protect our national parks and those who care for them. 

Can I count on [Representative’s Name] to support full funding and staffing for the National Park Service?

Thank you.