The federal government shutdown has now officially crossed the line to become the longest such closure in U.S. history, surpassing the old record of 35 days during the 2018-2019 shutdown. The impacts of this extended closure are far-reaching and widespread across the federal government including the National Park Service.

Across the National Park Service and the 433 units it manages nationwide, an estimated 9,000 to 9,300 employees have been furloughed because of the ongoing shutdown. While many parks remain physically accessible, most are being staffed at minimum levels comprised mostly of law enforcement and maintenance workers who are working without pay. Most visitors centers are closed, fee collection has stopped in many places (costing the NPS as much as $1 million a day), restrooms may be locked or left unattended, there may be no trash collection, limited or delayed emergency services or search and rescue. Perhaps even more importantly, the lack of staffing is leading to a higher risk of resource damage in the parks, a danger that led nearly 40 former park superintendents and NPS directors to pen a letter calling for the closure of all parks until the shutdown ends.

Here in the Apostle Islands, the signs of the shutdown’s impact may be difficult for the typical visitor to see at first glance. Both the headquarters in Bayfield and the Visitor Center at Little Sand Bay are closed but then they are typically closed this time of year due to the seasonal nature of our visitation. The rangers, seasonal and permanent, are off the islands and away from Meyers Beach, most of the park boats are out of the water, as they always are at this time of year.

However, that does not mean that the shutdown is not having an impact on our Lakeshore. With the vast majority of even the permanent staff furloughed, park planning has all but ground to a halt including plans for the 2026 construction of the new accessible pathway at Meyers Beach, a keystone project of our Access for All Initiative. Wildlife research has stalled. The collection and cataloging of historical artifacts has ceased, programs to school children have gone silent. Even the plans to seat the new superintendent of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are seemingly on hold.

There is much more to running a national park than the public sees at first glance. Since its creation in 1916, the National Park Service has worked towards its mission of preserving “unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” Given the depth and breadth of the expertise represented by the over 9,000 furloughed workers and the just plain hard work that is not getting done during the government shutdown, the National Park Service simply cannot be expected to fulfill that mission under these circumstances.

These are difficult and trying times for our national parks in general and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. If you plan to visit the Lakeshore in the near future, Friends asks that you:

• Practice leave-no-trace principles on their journey. Carry out your own garbage.
• Practice careful trip planning, route-finding, and low impact camping techniques to minimize your potential impact and reduce the likelihood of requiring ranger assistance or emergency services.
• Be kind and patient to any NPS employees you encounter.

Even while not in the park, those who love the Lakeshore can help by:

• Keeping informed about the status of national park staffing and funding and expressing your opinions about the importance of parks to elected officials.
• Supporting local businesses. Many are highly dependent upon visitors to our national parks and may be experiencing an economic downturn due to fewer visitors.
• Joining and donating to organizations like Friends of the Apostle Islands to stay informed about ways you can volunteer in the lakeshore once it reopens and supporting important projects and programs of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Now more than ever our parks need your support. Let’s work together to see all of our parks through to a brighter future.

Jeff Rennicke
Executive Director
Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore