'Programs are being canceled:' Voyageurs National Park is down a quarter of its staff after Federal cuts
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The Trump administration’s federal worker layoffs have led to a staffing crisis for the National Park Service, including Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.
“[The park is] missing four out of seven law enforcement personnel, and these are folks that respond to emergencies within the park,” said Christine Goepfert, Midwest campaign director for the National Parks Conservation Association. “Many people are wearing several different hats just to keep things going.”
According to Goepfert, 12 full-time positions have been eliminated, roughly a quarter of Voyageurs’ staff. Visitors may have already noticed that bathrooms aren’t being cleaned as quickly and visitor centers are without park rangers. Goepfert said that at some parks, the lack of staff has even made it too difficult to collect fees from visitors.
“Programs are being canceled and visitor center hours are being reduced,” she said.
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The cuts also mean responses during crises are hindered too. According to Goerpfert, Voyageurs is unable to provide emergency services three days of week. On the days they do provide, the park says to expect delays.
In Goepfert’s eyes, Congress would be the best remedy to recover these positions and funding.
“All but one member of Congress has a national park in their district, and we need our delegation to help lift the hiring freeze,” she said.
Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.
