National Park Service ends longtime partnership with Theodore Roosevelt Nature & History Association

MEDORA, N.D. (KMOT) – The federal government has ended its relationship with a non-profit organization that staffed a key visitors center at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ahead of a busy summer tourism season.

The Theodore Roosevelt Nature & History Association confirmed the news on social media on Friday, saying Sunday, May 31, would be its last day of sales in the park’s South Unit Visitor Center.

The association has had a partnership with the park service for nearly 75 years, going back to the early 1950s. They operated a gift shop at the visitors center and assisted with publishing free trail guides and other informational items to help guests enjoy the park.

Herbert Frost, the regional director for the National Park Service, sent a letter to the association dated May 7 that ends what’s known as a ‘standard cooperating association agreement,’ effective June 6.

The letter indicates the current agreement began in November 2022.

“Following a comprehensive review of the Service’s relationship with the Association, including interviews with you in your capacity as Chairperson and members of the Board of Directors, the National Park Service has determined that termination of the Agreement is in the best interest of the United States,” Frost writes, in part.

Your News Leader reached out to the association’s Executive Director, Tracy Sexton, who commented, in part:

“While we were caught off guard by the federal government’s decision to end our 74-year partnership with the National Park Service, we respect their choice and wish them well. TRNHA is not going away; we remain committed to our mission of supporting education and preservation. We’re excited to announce a new store location in Medora, set to open by June 6th, and we look forward to sharing our updated mission and future plans next week.”

We also contacted the National Park Service on what, if any, impact the move will have on services in the park, as well as Park Ranger responsibilities.

A Department of the Interior spokesperson said the Department does not comment on the details of contractual or business relationships.

This is a developing story. Your News Leader will update as we learn more.