A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PRESERVE HISTORIC SLEEPING BEAR

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a treasured natural and cultural resource, drawing visitors from across the country to experience its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unparalleled recreational opportunities. However, potential budget cuts, hiring freezes, and staff reductions may threaten the park’s ability to protect and preserve this national treasure for future generations.

Adequate funding and staffing are essential to maintaining the park’s trails, facilities, and historical sites, as well as ensuring visitor safety and access. The dedicated park staff work tirelessly to balance conservation efforts with public enjoyment, but critical programs and services may be at risk with fewer resources. Reduced funding could mean fewer rangers to protect fragile ecosystems and cultural resources, fewer interpretive programs to educate visitors, and delays in maintaining the historic structures that tell the stories of the past.

Sleeping Bear Dunes is not just a scenic wonder—it is an economic driver for the region. Every year, the park attracts more than a million visitors, supporting local businesses, jobs, and communities. Reducing park services due to budget constraints could have ripple effects beyond the park’s borders, impacting the livelihoods of those who depend on tourism and outdoor recreation.

We urge decision-makers to recognize the value of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and ensure it receives the funding and staffing necessary to uphold its mission. Our national parks are a promise to future generations, and we must stand together to protect that promise. Now is the time to invest in our parks, not diminish them. Sleeping Bear Dunes belongs to all of us, and we must ensure it remains a well-preserved and welcoming place for all who seek its beauty, history, and inspiration.

PHSB will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate, including any impacts to PHSB programs, how we are responding to those potential impacts, and how you might be able to help.