Voyageurs National Park Needs Your Voice
Updated February 21, 2025:
On February 14, more than 1,000 National Park Service staff lost their jobs with many in critical roles. Among them were dedicated team members at Voyageurs National Park. If federal hiring freezes and workforce reductions continue, park programs and tours, visitor services, and conservation efforts will be greatly impacted.
These losses aren’t just numbers. 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.
Though the Department of Interior has reversed its plans to cut 5,000 seasonal NPS workers, the future is uncertain, and it remains unclear when Voyageurs can begin the long process of hiring 30-40 seasonal workers that are critical ahead of the busy summer season. Seasonal staff at Voyageurs National Park support boat programs, visitor centers operations, wildlife monitoring, campsite cleaning, and dock and trail maintenance.
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.
Share Stories about Park Staff
Stories of public servants, the impacts of the firings, and the essential roles they served are circulating on social media; amplify their stories.
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.
Breaking News
Star Tribune: Dozens of Minnesota federal workers fired in latest cuts, with no severance
The Minnesota Star Tribune talked to roughly two dozen workers who all said they were not the only ones in their departments to be cut.
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.