The 43-day federal government shutdown created significant financial fallout for Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPFA). With 16 partner stores closed during one of the busiest visitor periods of the fall, the nonprofit reports more than $105,000 in lost revenue, a shortfall that threatens essential education programs at national parks and forests in South Dakota and Nebraska.

Infographic showing the financial impact of the federal shutdown on Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, including closed visitor centers, $105,000 of lost revenue, risk to educational programs, and details about a year-end matching gift fundraising effort.

How the Shutdown Affected Local Parks & Forests

BHPFA operates retail stores inside federal land agency sites:

  • Wind Cave National Park
  • Jewel Cave National Monument
  • Scotts Bluff National Monument
  • Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
  • National Grasslands Visitor Center
  • Black Hills National Forest and Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands ranger districts

These stores provide 89 percent of the organization’s operating revenue. When federal facilities closed, all partner stores were forced to shut their doors during what is typically a strong sales month.

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.

Patty Ressler, Executive Director

Programs Now at Risk

  • Junior Ranger activities

  • Interpretive materials

  • Youth education

  • Community outreach across the region

  • $105,000+ lost revenue threatens key education programs

BHPFA’s ability to provide educational support, interpretive publications, and visitor-focused resources depends heavily on income from partner stores. Prolonged closures put that support at risk.

Stabilizing the Future Through Community Support

To help close the financial gap and avoid disruptions to partner support, BHPFA has launched a year-end fundraising effort featuring a $50,000 matching gift. Donations will help maintain critical education funding and support 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. It also helps us keep our staff employed so we can continue serving the parks and forests our communities care about.”

– Patty Ressler, Executive Director

Additional Ways to Support Public Lands

BHPFA has opened a holiday market at its new headquarters at 833 Mt. Rushmore Road in Custer, with seasonal hours through December 24. Visitors can shop local gifts that support public-lands education or explore online options.

How to Help

Donate to Support Vital Programs and Resources in the National Parks and National Forests

2025 Shutdown Impact: Key Questions & Facts

Q: How much revenue did BHPFA lose during the 2025 government shutdown?
A: Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPFA) reports a verified loss of $105,000 in gross revenue due to the 43-day federal government shutdown. This loss occurred because 16 partner retail stores inside National Parks and National Forest ranger districts were forced to close during October, typically a peak visitation month.

Q: Which educational programs are at risk due to the funding shortfall?
A: The revenue loss threatens the continuity of free educational programming across South Dakota and Nebraska public lands. Specifically, funding is at risk for Junior Ranger activities, youth education field trips, interpretive publications, and community outreach programs that rely on store proceeds.

Q: How does the store closure affect the nonprofit’s budget?
A: Retail sales are the primary economic engine for the organization. Sales from partner stores at sites like Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument provide 89 percent of BHPFA’s operating revenue. When these federal facilities close, the primary funding stream for park support is immediately cut off.

Q: How can the public help offset the shutdown losses?
A: BHPFA has launched a year-end recovery campaign featuring a $50,000 matching gift challenge. Donors can double their impact by contributing online. Additionally, supporters can shop at the new Holiday Market at 833 Mt. Rushmore Road in Custer, SD, or purchase park-themed gifts online at blackhillsparks.org.

Author:  Jason Gray, Digital Content & Data Manager – Black Hills Parks & Forests Association

Last updated date:  November 26, 2025