Shutdown Leaves the Apostle Islands and Other National Parks Vulnerable

The impact of the federal government shutdown is reaching far beyond Washington. It’s also being felt in some of the most scenic areas of America. The national parks aren’t just vulnerable, but Jeff Rennicke with Friends of the Apostle Islands says there’s an ongoing struggle under the weight of the shutdown. Rennicke joined Pat Kreitlow, host of Mornings with Pat Kreitlow, to share what he describes as “a strange way to run a business,” where parks remain open but unprotected.

“Visitor centers, museums — they’re all closed,” Rennicke says. “You can still hike the trails, but bathrooms are locked, trash isn’t being picked up, and there are no emergency services. Our parks don’t run themselves.”

Damage and safety concerns are mounting across the country. Illegal camping, vandalism, and off-road activity has been reported in several parks. Some former park leaders are calling for a complete shutdown to protect these fragile environments.

---

Watch the entire discussion, starting at 1:36:00, here:

Rennicke says the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore may look quiet this time of year, but the shutdown is also stopping crucial behind-the-scenes work – from planning and hiring to research and preservation. And without federal approval, a long-awaited accessibility project at Meyers Beach is now on hold.

“There’s an awful lot people don’t see,” Rennicke explains. “When our parks are basically closed, progress stops.”

He urges visitors to continue supporting parks responsibly by donating to local “Friends” groups or paying entrance fees online when possible. 

“Eighty percent of those fees stay right in the park,” he says. “When that money disappears, everyone feels it.”

Rennicke also shares that local businesses surrounding national parks are feeling the strain. 

“Come up, enjoy the scenery, support the small shops,” he says. “Just do it safely and leave no trace.”

Learn more on the Friends of the Apostle Islands website here.