An Update from Executive Director Ellen Reed
Dear Friend of the Park,
It has been a few months since our last update about the evolving landscape of federal policies and their implications for our work. As you may recall, in February, we shared concerns regarding funding freezes and potential workforce reductions impacting our programs in partnership with the National Park Service. I am relieved to report that some of these issues have been addressed through judicial intervention. However, the situation is still unpredictable, and the uncertainty continues to affect our operations.
Funding Restored, but Challenges Persist
After several months of waiting in limbo, our federal grant funds have been reinstated. The specific funds that were on pause impacted our timelines for tree planting efforts, summer hiring for the Mississippi River Crew and fellowship programs, and created uncertainty for our ability to step up and support our national park this spring. Despite setbacks, we are resilient and moving forward to restore the park’s tree canopy.
Forestry Work
Due to the funding pause, we temporarily halted all tree purchases from nurseries this spring while we determined the best route forward. Thanks to the many new and returning members who supported us during this time, we started moving forward with tree planting efforts again about a month ago, and I am excited to report that we installed nearly 1,000 trees into the gravel bed tree nurseries at Surly Brewing and the Science Museum of Minnesota last week. These trees will be planted along the river this fall. To celebrate Arbor Month, we also planted 60 large trees along Shepard Road with the City of Saint Paul.
Though the federal grants have been reinstated, the pauses created a particular chaos for the small business nursery vendors we order from and for the land managing partners along the river that count on us to help with their habitat restoration efforts. Juggling multiple plans to fulfill our planting goals was anything but efficient.
Early Career Pathways Programs
Funding ambiguity has also impacted Mississippi Park Connection’s fellowship and Mississippi River Crew programs. For more than a decade, we have successfully launched the careers of the next generation of environmental employees and river stewards. More than 50 college-age young adults have begun their environmental careers at Mississippi Park Connection, and more than 75% of young adults who go through a program with Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service go into an environmental or nonprofit career or graduate program within 4 years of their internship. Despite the success of these programs, the funding that sustains them has been at risk this spring. Cuts to AmeriCorps have further complicated the issue, with 32,000 service members losing their positions around the country, including five members supported by Mississippi Park Connection. The pause in funding and current uncertainty have forced us to hold off or cut back on our career development programs this summer, but it is not all bad news.
Thanks to our strong partnership with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, we have been able to retain the Mississippi River Crew, albeit with reduced hours. In addition, thanks to strong support this spring from funders, we will be able to hire new staff positions, building long-term capacity despite the internship program delay.
Workforce Reductions: A Lingering Concern
At the National Park Service, the potential for future workforce reductions continues to pose a risk to our collaborative efforts. While the immediate threat of mass federal layoffs has been temporarily blocked by the courts, the Trump administration has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to lift these injunctions. As of today, June 9, the matter is still under active consideration.
What’s happening right now at MISS? The three temporary employees who were fired have been brought back to their positions. However, several MISS staff members have left the National Park Service through the Deferred Resignation Program, and the hiring freeze remains in place, resulting in a total loss of 25% of the park’s staff. The disruptions may impact the park’s ability to retain talented staff and make it more difficult to recruit for the future.
Park Headquarters and Visitor Center Leases Reinstated
The last time we wrote, the future of the Mississippi River Visitor Center and the park’s headquarters were in jeopardy. Thanks to your advocacy, we were able to rally behind the National Park Service in asking for local park decision makers to inform office space decisions. For now, the leases remain in place through the end of 2026, which will give the National Park Service more time to determine its next steps for a future home. Thanks to community members for organizing, speaking out, and showing your passion for preserving access to this national treasure, ensuring that both residents and visitors can continue to learn about and enjoy the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Mississippi River.
New Threats to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Though many of our worries over the past few months have been alleviated, we are now looking with concern at the recently proposed 2026 federal budget. The new budget includes more than $1 billion in reductions for the National Park Service. In a more typical year, the NPS budget would be between $3 and 3.5 billion, making this a substantial cut. More alarming to our park, however, is the proposal that suggests transferring the management of parks without a “National Park” designation to the states. Our park has a designation of “National River and Recreation Area,” and this change would presumably include MISS.
Over the past few weeks, I have been meeting with members of the U.S. Congress in Minnesota to express our concerns, which include:
Loss of federal protections, oversight, and cultural and historical preservation standards within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area,
Staff layoffs and closures of the park’s visitor center,
Reduced access to national parks for urban dwellers who may not have access to the larger parks that have a “National Park” designation, which are often hundreds of miles from the nearest cities,
And, economic loss for local communities, for example, MISS contributes millions of dollars to the local economy each year.
Our Steadfast Commitment to Ensure Everyone Can Connect with their Park
Despite these ongoing challenges, Mississippi Park Connection remains committed to connecting all people to the national park and the river it celebrates. The Mississippi River flourishes when it is teeming with all kinds of life – be it fish, mammals, plants, and humans. It is made stronger when the river is treasured by creative artists, environmentalists, culture bearers, volunteers, outdoor recreators, members, and all who join us in envisioning a more connected park that welcomes everyone. We remain steadfast and dedicated to building an inclusive community around the national park for this and future generations.
National Parks are one of America’s greatest legacies, cherished and preserved for all Americans and visitors from around the world. We are facing adversity with joy and roadblocks with community. That has always been our path forward at Mississippi Park Connection and will continue to be regardless of the challenge.
Thank you for continuing to support Mississippi Park Connection through volunteerism and donations and for advocating for your national park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.