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Dear Friend,
As the Senior Midwest Regional Director for the National Parks Conservation Association and fiscal co-chair of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, I’m honored to work alongside so many dedicated advocates, partners and supporters committed to protecting our national parks and the Great Lakes. Your support fuels our efforts, and I want to personally thank you for standing with us in this fight for clean water, healthy ecosystems and strong public lands.
Last week, our team took that fight to Capitol Hill, meeting with nearly a dozen congressional offices across the Midwest. We urged lawmakers to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, strengthen clean water protections, invest in water infrastructure, and stop harmful National Park Service workforce reductions. Despite the challenges, we made our mark, amplifying site-specific stories and building momentum for long-term change. This work is only possible because of our collective strength, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to protecting the places we all love.
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Protecting Our National Parks & More
Recent executive actions affecting federal staffing are already taking a significant toll on the National Park Service. The administration’s hiring freeze, coupled with the elimination of 1,000 permanent positions, threatens the ability of our parks to function at full capacity.
Here’s what this could mean for the Midwest:
Great Lakes Parks & Waterways: Reduced staffing will impact the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), potentially delaying critical efforts to combat invasive species, protect drinking water, and restore park ecosystems. Fewer staff could slow efforts to address pollution and habitat restoration, making our waterways more vulnerable to environmental threats. Visitor Experience & Park Access: Budget and staffing cuts may result in limited visitor center hours, delayed park openings, and potential campground closures. Public Health & Safety Risks: Some of the terminated positions include wastewater treatment operators, custodial staff, and recreation manager roles essential for public health, safety and a positive visitor experience.
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What You Can Do...
Contact your members of Congress and urge them to call on Interior Secretary Burgum to reinstate critical NPS positions and provide permanent staffing exemptions for national parks.
Parks are essential economic drivers, with 325 million visitors generating over $55 billion in annual economic output and supporting more than 415,000 local jobs. These cuts not only harm park operations but also hurt businesses and communities that depend on tourism. Source: 2023 National Park Service Visitor Spending Effects Report
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SPOTLIGHT: The New Midwest Regional Advisory Council
We are excited to introduce the relaunched Midwest Regional Advisory Council (MRAC) — a dynamic group of park advocates, community leaders and conservation champions dedicated to guiding and strengthening NPCA’s work in the region. Originally established in 2012, our council has been at the forefront of advocating for the preservation and enhancement of our national parks and conservation efforts. As we embrace this new chapter, the MRAC proudly unites the strengths and visions of the former Chicago Leadership Council and Minnesota Roundtable into a single, powerful voice for the Midwest’s natural and cultural heritage, while also aiming to deepen engagement in Ohio where we now have dedicated staff.
With a membership of 20 distinguished individuals—including business leaders, political experts, communication specialists, philanthropists and conservationists—the MRAC is committed to fostering a deeper connection between our communities and the natural world.
The MRAC plays a critical role in shaping our advocacy efforts, expanding partnerships, and ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the fight to protect our national parks.
Midwest Regional Advisory Council members help NPCA fight for the parks
The impact of recent staffing reductions is making national headlines. NPCA is working hard to ensure that these challenges are well-documented and widely discussed. Read our most recent press release here. MRAC members are also speaking up:
Several retired superintendents, including Cheryl Schreier, highlight the long-term impacts of NPS staff firings in a recent SD news story. John Anfinson and NPCA staff quoted in a recent Star Tribune article about MNRRA’s HQ and Visitor Center being on a targeted list for lease terminations. Local news stations Kare11 also aired a story featuring their comments.
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Keep in Touch
Have questions or want to collaborate? Reach out to our Midwest team:
Thank you for being part of this fight. With your support, we will ensure that the Midwest’s national parks, lakes and rivers remain protected for all to enjoy now and for future generations.
Sincerely,
Crystal Davis
Senior Midwest Regional Director
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