On Jan. 27, 2025 the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued an order pausing federal grants and other funding sources. The list of programs affected included many projects that help support the critical projects done to support conservation efforts at the Indiana Dunes National Park. Save the Dunes and many of our regional environmental partners were unable to access funds that had been committed to help support many park projects. 

This threat is especially concerning given the ongoing federal hiring freeze, buyouts, and staffing cuts, which are already straining capacity at national parks, including the Indiana Dunes National Park. Reduced staffing makes it harder to manage natural resources, maintain trails, and support conservation projects. The potential loss of federal grants—which both Save the Dunes and the National Park rely on to accomplish much of our work—would only worsen this capacity crisis, limiting our ability to restore habitats, protect water quality, and expand public access.

Although the administration rescinded this order, they emphasized that efforts to evaluate and potentially reduce federal programs will most likely continue, which puts the future of much of these critically important funds in jeopardy. 

Save the Dunes will continue to support and advocate for our National Park, and the entire Indiana dunes region, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding natural areas for the health and vitality of the environment, and the people who live, work, and recreate in Northwest Indiana. We will continue to monitor the situation and inform our legislators that these federal funds are critical to ensure that these important natural spaces are protected for years to come.