THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
The National Park Service today announced the selection of Jennifer Onufer as its next superintendent of Voyageurs National Park. Onufer will begin her new role this fall, bringing more than two decades of experience in public service, park operations and resource management across NPS and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service has lifted campfire restrictions in Voyageurs National Park effective August 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., due to cooler weather and a lower risk of wildfire. The lifting of the elevated fire restrictions aligns with changes made by the U.S. Forest Service in the Superior National Forest and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
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Voyageurs National Park, the Voyageurs Conservancy, and other partners will host the sixth annual Voyageurs Star Party on September 11 at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and September 12 at the Kabetogama Visitor Center. These free events offer visitors of all ages an opportunity to stargaze, learn about the night sky, and experience a certified International Dark Sky Park.
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The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting proposals for a concession opportunity at Kettle Falls in Voyageurs National Park. The selected concessioner will provide a range of visitor services, including lodging, retail, food and beverage operations, guest transportation, marina services, and mechanical boat portage.
Official NPS sourceDue to high fire danger and active wildfires across northeast Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park will implement further fire restrictions effective Monday, July 20, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. The restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.
Official NPS sourceDue to high fire danger and active wildfires across northeast Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park will implement fire restrictions effective Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. The restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.
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From July through October 2026 Voyageurs National Park will continue efforts to restore wetland habitat by removing invasive hybrid cattails form within the park.
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This 2026 project will replace aging underwater electrical infrastructure to improve reliability, safety and visitor services at the Kettle Falls site in Voyageurs National Park.
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Voyageurs National Park is preparing for the 2026 summer season with completed buoy placement and upcoming visitor center openings.
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Voyageurs National Park announces summer visitor center hours and the opening date for 2026 boat tour and North Canoe Voyage program reservations. These hours and dates remain largely consistent with recent years.
Official NPS sourceVOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, Minn. — Voyageurs National Park has released a Floodplain Statement of Findings for a proposed project to replace an approximately 13-mile underwater power distribution line serving the Kettle Falls area of the park.
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INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. -- Voyageurs National Park staff will conduct prescribed burns in selected wetlands in and near Black Bay and Cranberry Bay on Rainy Lake in February and March 2026. Additional Sites on Irwin Bay on Lake Kabetogama will be burned if possible.
Official NPS sourceBoreal Stargazing Week returns Feb. 9–15, 2026 with in-person stargazing events across Minnesota and free virtual educational programs celebrating one of the world’s largest dark sky regions.
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Beginning Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 9 a.m. CST. overnight tent camping reservations and houseboat permits for the 2026 summer season will become available.
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Voyageurs National Park is announcing the Rainy Lake Visitor Center Hours for the 2025-2026 winter season.
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Voyageurs National Park staff invite individuals and organizations interested in offering concession services at Kettle Falls to attend a pre-solicitation site visit of the grounds and facilities, Monday, Sept. 29.
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Voyageurs National Park staff are pleased to announce the summer hours of operation for the park’s four visitor centers: Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Ash River, and, for the first time, the newly opened Crane Lake Visitor Center.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) announces a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) open to individuals, educational institutions, government agencies or entities, non-profit, or for-profit organizations interested in the preservation and re-use of one or more facilities at Kettle Falls. The RFEI allows interested parties an opportunity to review the property, facilities, park area, and to submit their idea(s) of potential future use of the facilities.
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Voyageurs National Park staff announce that reservations for ranger-led boat tours and North Canoe Voyage programs open at 9:00 am CST on April 15 for the 2025 season.
Official NPS sourceOn April 8, Voyageurs National Park will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. In collaboration with Voyageurs Conservancy, a variety of special events and programming, community partnerships, and other exciting initiatives will be hosted throughout the year.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park staff plan to conduct prescribed burns in selected wetlands in and near Black Bay and Cranberry Bay on Rainy Lake March 2025. Activities include burning floating and rooted invasive hybrid cattails as well as other wetland areas to remove dead vegetation, rejuvenate wetland plant communities, and reduce woody plant encroachment.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park is pleased to announce the winter schedule for its visitor centers, equipment rentals, and special events.
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Voyageurs National Park will start accepting Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) applications on Sunday, December 1, 2024. The open window to submit CUA applications has been extended to April 14, 2025.
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Overnight tent camping reservations and houseboat permits for the 2025 summer season at Voyageurs National Park will open on November 15, 2024, at 9 am CST.
Official NPS sourceDue to recent rainfall and improved humidity over much of northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is lifting the ban on campfires in the park, effective October 25, 2024.
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Due to increasing fire danger, Voyageurs National Park is banning all campfires within the park.
Official NPS sourceMemorial services for Voyageurs National Park law enforcement park ranger Kevin Grossheim will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Falls High School gymnasium. Falls High School is located at 1515 11th Street, International Falls, MN.
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The National Park Service Ranger who died Sunday in the line of duty in Voyageurs National Park was a dedicated law enforcement officer, emergency services volunteer, member of the community, and beloved husband and friend.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is mourning the loss of a law enforcement park ranger who died Sunday, October 6 in St. Louis County while responding to a call for help. The law enforcement ranger responded late Sunday morning to a call for assistance from a distressed civilian vessel on Namakan Lake. While towing the distressed vessel, the NPS boat capsized, forcing the ranger and the three individuals being assisted into the water.
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Voyageurs National Park staff will begin removing hazard markers and secondary aids to navigation within the park this week, starting on Rainy Lake, then moving to the Namakan Basin, which includes Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point Lakes. Weather and other variables will determine the exact days when removal occurs.
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National Park staff announce fall hours of operation for visitor centers. The park is open year-round.
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The National Park Service, in collaboration with Voyageurs Conservancy, has acquired and permanently preserved a 51-acre site on Rainy Lake, furthering conservation efforts within Voyageurs National Park.
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Voyageurs National Park has received a $20,000 award from the National Park Trust to power the ongoing Wetland Restoration Project. The National Park Trust, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), announced recently that a total of $361,000 was awarded to fund 17 enriching education and outdoor recreation initiatives through the 2024 Challenge Cost Share Program.
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National Park Service Director Chuck Sams today finished a multi-day trip to Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin where he met with Tribal nations, reviewed large-scale infrastructure repair and improvement projects funded by the landmark Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), and celebrated the NPS birthday with park staff and visitors on August 25.
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Experience the beauty and wonder of the night sky at the annual Star Party, featuring a series of free astronomy events taking place August 9-10 at Voyageurs National Park.
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INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Voyageurs National Park staff and contractors will resume work removing areas of invasive, hybrid cattail in wetlands within Voyageurs National Park from July through October of 2024.
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INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN - With high-water levels due to summer rains, boaters are encouraged to watch their speed and limit wake near shorelines, docks, or other developed areas.
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INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Voyageurs National Park’s division of visitor and resource protection will be partnering with the US Coast Guard and US Coast Guard Auxiliary to offer voluntary vessel inspections in the park.
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INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Voyageurs National Park staff announce summer hours of operation for the park’s three visitor centers.
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The National Park Service (NPS) is providing early notification for the forthcoming public scoping period for Voyageurs National Park’s Frozen Lake Use Plan, in which the NPS requests your feedback on preliminary alternatives that will be further refined and analyzed in an Environmental Assessment (EA).
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Voyageurs National Park staff announce that reservations for ranger-led boat tours and North Canoe Voyage programs open at 9:00 am CST on April 15 for the 2024 season.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center will be closed beginning on Sunday, March 31 and Rainy Lake Visitor Center will be closed beginning on Monday, April 1.
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In the coming weeks, when conditions allow, Voyageurs National Park staff will conduct prescribed burns in selected wetlands on Rainy and Kabetogama Lakes. The burn operations will be in and near Black Bay, Dove Bay, Cranberry Bay, and Alder Creek on Rainy Lake and Tom Cod, Irwin, Bowman, and Daley Bays on Kabetogama Lake
Official NPS sourceEmbrace the winter darkness and discover the magic of Minnesota's starbright skies! Join us for a week of free activities for students, families, and friends that will immerse you in learning and stargazing. Specifically, join us at Voyageurs National Park on Saturday, February 10 and 17 for these events:
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Voyageurs National Park staff would like to announce that the Rainy Lake Visitor Center will be reopening on Friday, January 5, 2024, for the winter season.
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The National Park Service (NPS) has posted the public comment summary report related to the civic engagement process for Voyageurs National Park’s frozen lake surface access and use preliminary proposal that was held in spring 2023.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park plans to conduct prescribed burns of previously thinned materials potentially beginning the week of 9/25, and subsequent weeks through October as conditions allow.
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INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Voyageurs National Park staff announce fall hours of operation.
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INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: The National Park Service will be replacing the boat launch located at the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. The contractor will start staging materials and equipment at the site on September 5, and the launch will be closed starting September 18.
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INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: The National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy are celebrating the natural wonder and cultural heritage of Voyageurs National Park's night skies with the third annual summer Star Party August 10-12. This celebration at Voyageurs will support the continued protection and enjoyment of the park’s incredible night skies. Join us for special speakers, telescope viewing sessions, guided constellation tours, ranger programs, canoeing under the stars, and more.
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Voyageurs National Park’s Wildlife Biologist Steve Windels Recipient of 2023 Distinguished Moose Biologist Award.
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INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: The rainfall received this week over much of northern Minnesota has moderated fire danger for the short term. Rainfall amounts received across Voyageurs National Park varied from 1.5 to 2 inches. Given the rainfall amounts received, Voyageurs National Park is lifting the ban on campfires in the park effective at noon on June 30, 2023.
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Voyageurs National Park Issues Burning Restrictions
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In response to the discovery of zebra mussel veligers (larvae) in Black Bay of Rainy Lake in late 2021, Voyageurs staff is continuing a containment and prevention program. This program involves educational activities as well as new management operations related to Kettle Falls and Gold Portage areas.
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National Park Service Announces Kettle Falls Concession Prospectus Update
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Voyageurs National Park is excited to announce new staffing.
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Hazard Markers placed 2023
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Voyageurs National Park Partners with U.S. Coast Guard to Offer Vessel Safety Inspections.
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Voyageurs National Park is temporarily closing the breeding areas around three (3) of the park’s bald eagle nests to campers and other human activities. After the
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park has moved the open house opportunity scheduled on Thursday, April 20th from the AmericInn Meeting Room to the auditorium at the Rainy Lake Campus of the Minnesota North College located at 1501 Highway 71 in International Falls, MN. The meeting will take place from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm given the change in venue.
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The Midwest Regional Office of the National Park Service (NPS) has awarded Voyageurs National Park’s maintenance team with the 2022 Midwest Region Maintenance Facility Team of the Year Award.
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The National Park Service (NPS) will be developing a Frozen Lake Surface Access and Use Plan at Voyageurs National Park and is seeking your input.
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On a Tuesday afternoon, students across the country gasped as a river of stars illuminated their classrooms. Students were transported to Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - two protected areas that are a part of the largest Dark Sky Region in the world.
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Voyageurs National Park staff will conduct prescribed burns in selected wetlands in and near Black Bay Narrows, Cranberry Bay, and Alder Creek in Rainy Lake and Tom Cod, Irwin, and Daley Bays in Kabetogama Lake.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park’s Law Enforcement staff and the Polar Polers Ski Club have teamed up to offer a variety of ski events the weekend of February 24 through 26. Join us for a family-friendly ski on any of the three days for all skill levels and ages. Saturday and Sunday families and friends can also enjoy hotdogs, burgers, and cocoa along the trail, sponsored by the Polar Polers.
Official NPS sourceEmbrace the winter darkness and discover Minnesota's boreal skies. For generations, humans have looked to the stars for inspiration and connection. Located along the Minnesota-Canadian border is a rare sanctuary for starry skies. Voyageurs National Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota make up one of the largest Dark Sky Regions in the world.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park will offer a self-guided night snowshoe hike Friday, January 27 along the Oberholtzer Trail, with luminaries to light the way.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is releasing the opportunity for those interested in applying for the concession business of lodging, food and beverage, retail, marina, and other services at Kettle Falls within Voyageurs National Park.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park staff would like to remind visitors that the Rainy Lake Visitor Center will be reopening on Saturday, January 7, 2023, for the winter season. Hours of operation are Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park and park partner Voyageurs Conservancy are proud to receive an Open OutDoors for Kids grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF). This grant will further the reach of the Voyageurs Classroom Initiative, a joint education program that connects thousands of youth to Voyageurs National Park and encourages students to recognize their national park as an outdoor classroom, and an inviting space for families to deepen connections with one another.
Official NPS sourcePark staff would like to remind visitors that overnight tent camping reservations and houseboat permits for the 2023 summer season will become available on November 15, 2022, at 9 am CST.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park staff will begin removing hazard marker and regulatory buoys within the park this weekend.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park staff announce fall hours of operation.
Official NPS sourceJoin us for a day of free, family-friendly programming outside and on the water at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center in Voyageurs National Park!
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service will search for zebra mussels in and near Voyageurs National Park from August 2 through August 5, 2022.
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Lake levels on the Rainy Lake Basin of Voyageurs National Park have receded to the level allowable for the lifting of the No-Wake restriction on Rainy Lake within the park, effective Friday, July 29.
Official NPS sourceDiscover your park after dark at the Voyageurs Star Party, a stellar three-day astronomy festival. The National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy are celebrating the natural wonder and cultural heritage of Voyageurs National Park's night skies with our second annual summer Star Party on Thursday, August 18 through Saturday, August 20, 2022.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park is lifting the temporary closure of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center boat launch beginning Friday, July 8, followed by 19 Rainy Lake campsites reopening the following day on Saturday, July 9. Other Rainy Lake campsites in the park remain closed due to flood conditions.
Official NPS sourceLake levels within the Namakan Basin (Namakan, Kabetogama, and Sand Point Lakes) of Voyageurs National Park have receded to the level to allow for the lifting of the No-Wake restriction and the placement of all hazard markers throughout the Namakan Basin.
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This summer, Voyageurs National Park will receive a vibrant community mural celebrating the park’s waters and skies. With support from Voyageurs Conservancy, Sam Zimmerman will serve as a Community Artist and Educator in residence in the park from June 26 - July 1, 2022.
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Voyageurs National Park staff are actively placing hazard markers and other buoys within park boundaries.
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Based upon current staffing the National Park Service and the Kettle Falls concession staff will operate the Kettle Falls portage seven days a week from 7:30 am until dark. This will include the new aquatic invasive species (AIS) decontamination process for vessels being portaged from Rainy Lake to Namakan Lake.
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In response to the discovery of zebra mussel veligers (larvae) in Black Bay of Rainy Lake in late 2021, Voyageurs staff is starting a containment and prevention program. This program involves educational activities as well as new management operations related to Kettle Falls and Gold Portage areas.
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Voyageurs National Park staff will conduct prescribed burns throughout park wetlands to treat areas of invasive hybrid cattails from March through May 2022. Activities include burning floating and rooted cattails as well as other wetland areas to remove dead vegetation, rejuvenate wetland plant communities, and reduce woody plant encroachment
Official NPS sourceINTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN - In the summer of 2022, Voyageurs National Park will have a new tour boat - Ne-zho-dain (pronounced Knee-Zho-Dan) - based at the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center to serve park visitors.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park is excited to share new staff arrivals.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park staff is seeking assistance from anglers to help prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels. Zebra mussel veligers (larvae) were confirmed in Black Bay, Rainy Lake, in July 2021. Zebra mussels have multiple effects on lakes they invade. They alter ecosystems by changing the flow of
Official NPS sourceOvernight tent camping reservations and houseboat permits for the 2022 summer season at Voyageurs National Park will become available on November 15, 2021 at 9 am CST, at new rates recently approved by the Regional Park Service Director.
Official NPS sourceScientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service partnered on a first-of-its-kind, nationwide harmful algal bloom, or HAB, field study that began this summer and will continue over the next two years.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park staff have completed work to extend the Oberholtzer Trail by approximately 0.2 miles. This short extension increases connectivity to nearby trails, creating a variety of looping hike opportunities.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park invites the public to enjoy the remainder of the summer and welcome in autumn by hiking one of the many trails within the park.
Official NPS sourceInternational Falls, MN: Voyageurs National Park visitor centers begin fall / winter operations soon.
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Voyageurs National Park staff partnered with the Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club and Voyageurs Conservancy to design and build a fishing pier at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center picnic grounds.
Official NPS sourceINTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Voyageurs National Park has implemented temporary restrictions on all campfires including charcoal grills and barbecues effective immediately until further notice.
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Voyageurs National Park staff and contractors will resume work removing areas of invasive, hybrid cattail in wetlands within Voyageurs National Park from July through October of 2021
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park will be conducting civic engagement and holding two informational meetings in June to discuss possible fee changes associated with the park.
Official NPS sourceOn May 27 a floating cattail mat temporarily blocked off the Ash River navigational channel in Sullivan Bay. The mat was pushed to the side of Ash River by local business owners and the public where it was staked in place by Voyageurs National Park staff to prevent further movement. On Wednesday, June 16, park staff will de-anchor the mat and push it back into park waters in Sullivan Bay where it can be secured until it can be treated and removed later this year.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park staff have temporarily closed the Salmi Road entrance to the Kab-Ash Trail out of the Kabetogama community.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park is temporarily closing the breeding areas around four (4) of the park’s bald eagle nests to campers and other human activities. After the young eagles leave in late July, these temporarily closed park areas will be reopened for public use.
Official NPS sourceVoyageurs National Park staff are actively placing hazard markers and other buoys within park boundaries.
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Get an early start on your summer plans by reserving a seat aboard the park’s touring vessel, the Voyageur, and experience the park in a whole new way. Park staff will be offering 2021 boat tour programs in a limited format of 25% capacity, or 12 passengers per tour. Capacity may increase as local health indicators allow.
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INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Voyageurs National Park staff will conduct prescribed burns throughout park wetlands to treat areas of invasive hybrid cattails from March to April 2021. Activities include burning floating and rooted cattails as well as other wetland areas to remove dead vegetation, rejuvenate wetland plant communities, and reduce woody plant encroachment.
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Voyageurs National Park (VNP), Voyageurs Conservancy (VC), and the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) are pleased to announce the certification of Voyageurs National Park as an International Dark Sky Park
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