CUSTER, S.D. – The Black Hills Parks and Forests Association reported a loss of more than $105,000 in revenue Monday following the 43-day federal government shutdown.
The significant financial loss impacts the organization’s ability to fund educational programs, including popular Junior Ranger activities, at National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service sites throughout the region.
BHPFA operates 16 retail stores located inside federal land agency facilities. These include locations at Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, and ranger district offices for the Black Hills and Nebraska National Forests.
According to the organization, these retail locations generate the majority of its operating income. The shutdown forced the closure of these facilities during a peak travel window.
“Our partner retail operations make up 89 percent of our operating revenue,” said BHPFA Executive Director Patty Ressler. “October is usually a strong sales month for us. Losing this revenue will impact how we support our federal partners, especially the education programs families count on.”
Because visitors were barred from federal facilities during the 43-day closure, BHPFA stores remained shuttered during one of the fall season’s most active periods. The organization stated that the revenue shortfall threatens funding for community outreach programs, youth education and interpretive materials that connect the public with the land.
In an effort to stabilize its budget, the nonprofit has launched a year-end fundraising campaign supported by a $50,000 matching gift. The appeal is designed to prevent interruptions to partner support and maintain employment for the organization’s nine full-time staff members.
“A gift at this time will assure our federal partners there will be no gaps in funding their education programs,” Ressler said. “It also helps us keep our staff employed so we can continue serving the parks and forests our communities care about.”
In addition to online efforts, BHPFA has opened a holiday market at its new headquarters at 833 Mt. Rushmore Road in Custer, south of Rapid City, South Dakota. The market offers seasonal hours through Dec. 24.
Those interested in shopping, donating or finding volunteer opportunities can visit blackhillsparks.org.
