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Government Shutdown Update: Impacts on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

10/02/202504/02/2026

The Namekagon River stretches inth the distance as a blue ribbon. The colors of autumn trees are lit up by the sun.

Government Shutdown Update: Impacts on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Matt Poppleton | Executive Director

Dear Friends,

As you may know, the federal government has shut down. This has a direct and immediate impact on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, our partners at the National Park Service, and the many people who rely on this treasured place.

However, due to the federal directive, the park remains open and accessible to the public. This means that while you may still visit, all park operations are suspended. The visitor centers and all ranger-led programs are closed, and most National Park Service staff have been furloughed. Essential maintenance and monitoring are not occurring, leaving facilities, restrooms, and trails without the usual care.

As the official nonprofit partner to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Wild Rivers Conservancy works hand in hand with the National Park Service to provide programs and volunteer opportunities. During the shutdown, all St. Croix National Scenic Riverway volunteer activities and any programming that relies on NPS staff have been paused. For other efforts, such as school field trips and community programs, we will do our best to continue with the resources we have available.

Here’s how you can help during the shutdown:

Be a good steward.

If you visit, recreate responsibly. Pack out all trash, respect closed facilities, and minimize your impact.

Learn More About Leave No Trace Principles

Support our mission.

Your gifts help us sustain education, stewardship, and advocacy work even when federal resources are unavailable.

Support the Conservancy

Share your voice.

Tell your friends, family, and community why protecting the St. Croix and Namekagon matters. Reach out to your members of Congress and urge them to support our national parks and the people who care for them. The future of the Riverway-and all of our public lands-depends on strong stewardship and continued investment.

Contact Your Member of Congress

This shutdown is a reminder of how deeply intertwined our work is with our friends at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, and how essential their role is in caring for this treasured place. Thank you for standing with us-and with the Riverway-through this challenging time.

Together, we can ensure this special place remains forever accessible, scenic, and wild.

Matt Poppleton | Executive Director