Another year, another missing budget for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Lakeshore Superintendent Scott Tucker can’t recall starting a fiscal year with a federal budget approved by Congress and signed by the president. The federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
“We don’t know what our budget will look like because Congress has not passed a 2025 budget. That’s all I’m going to say on that matter,” Tucker said.
He expects to be operating the Lakeshore starting Oct. 1 with what’s called a “continuing resolution,” which allows the federal bureaucracy to continue working as though the 2024 budget was extended with no changes.
“Our budget is just under $5 million. This is our federal allocation. We have other pots of funds like fees that support different maintenance and public programs,” Tucker said.
Despite challenges faced by other national parks in filling openings, Tucker said the Lakeshore operated over the summer with a full staff of 150 people. Employment reduces to 60 over the winter.
“We were able to fill most positions. We had to scramble around for custodians, but our staff stepped up and we found different ways to take care of things,” Tucker said.
The Lakeshore is in a better position than most employers. “We do have park housing, so that helps. We charge rent to our employees, but to have housing taken off. Having the question answered of where they’ll live should they come here to work makes it an easier decision,” Tucker said.
One position remaining vacant is for chief ranger after Phil Akers was promoted to superintendent of Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado. He left in June. Applicants must have a federal law enforcement commission, have passed public lands courses, and have experience in law enforcement in national parks.
“It’s almost always filled from within,” Tucker said.
