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- calendar_today November 9, 2026
New Superintendent Appointed at Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota has welcomed Jennifer Onufer as its new superintendent. Onufer, a seasoned federal lands manager, assumed her responsibilities last week after the park operated without a permanent leader for nearly eighteen months. Her appointment is poised to bring stability to Minnesota’s only national park, which is renowned for its expansive lakes and scenic border country landscapes.
Background and Experience of Jennifer Onufer
Onufer brings over two decades of experience within the federal service, having previously worked with the Bureau of Reclamation managing Lake Berryessa in California. Her career also includes positions at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and the National Mall. Although Onufer's most recent post was in northern California, she noted that joining Voyageurs feels “a bit like coming home” since she grew up in northern New York state. Onufer expressed in correspondence that she is pleased to return to the northern border and is ready to listen and learn from colleagues and partners within the park.
Staffing and Operational Challenges at Voyageurs
Onufer’s arrival comes during a turbulent period for both Voyageurs and the wider National Park Service (NPS). Beginning in 2025, the Trump Administration implemented federal cuts that included firings and a hiring freeze, reducing NPS staff at units across the country. According to the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), the NPS employed 12,600 full-time workers by the end of 2025—a 24% drop from earlier in the year. Staffing at Voyageurs was similarly affected. When former superintendent Bob DeGross retired in May 2025, the park was left down 12 full-time positions. At that time, the park typically had about 40 permanent employees.
Crucially, the vacancies included key roles such as the lead wildlife biologist and several law enforcement officers, limiting emergency services and creating operational challenges. Retirements during the federal hiring freeze further depleted the park’s institutional knowledge.
Federal Response and Legislative Actions
Congress has since enacted legislation to allocate roughly $2.88 billion for core operations at NPS parks, including visitor services, staff support, and seasonal hires. This funding is a slight increase over fiscal year 2025 and includes directives that NPS staffing levels be sufficient to fulfill the agency’s mission. However, NPCA representatives assert that the Administration has not yet met the congressional intent to fully restore lost positions. An NPS spokesperson declined to comment directly on these staffing claims, but stated the agency remains committed to keeping parks open and accessible.
Partner Organizations and the Way Forward
Voyageurs Conservancy, the park’s nonprofit partner, has pledged support to Onufer. Executive director Christina Hausman Rhode emphasized that a “steady leader matters more than ever” in the wake of staff reductions and knowledge loss. Among Voyageurs’ challenges are deferred maintenance and evolving dynamics within the NPS.
As Onufer steps into her new role, she does not have any immediate, specific priorities for the park. Instead, she intends to consult with team members and partner organizations to identify urgent needs and opportunities. Her previous successes include leading a model invasive species prevention program at Lake Berryessa, which received regional recognition.
Looking Ahead for Voyageurs National Park
With its mix of natural beauty, abundant lakes, and historical significance, Voyageurs National Park continues to draw hundreds of thousands of annual visitors—totaling about 206,300 visits in 2025. As superintendent, Onufer's leadership will be key in restoring stability, addressing staffing shortages, and maintaining high standards for visitor services and resource protection amid ongoing federal and local challenges. Her skills in communication and partnership-building have earned praise from NPS regional leadership, who see her as a strong fit for guiding the park into its next chapter.
Source: startribune.com.
