Dexter Secures Commitment from Interior Secretary for Briefing on Crater Lake Staffing Crisis 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations,secured a commitment from Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum for a formal briefing on the staffing emergency at Crater Lake National Park. 

The exchange occurred during a high-stakes House Natural Resources Committee hearing. 

“Crater Lake is facing a staffing crisis that threatens the park’s future and the economic prosperity of surrounding gateway communities. I’m using every tool at my disposal to ensure Oregonians receive answers, accountability, and the investment Crater Lake deserves,” said Dexter. “A timely and formal briefing from the Department of Interior is a critical first step— and I intend to hold them to it.”

The commitment for accountability from the Department comes on the heels of a letter Congresswoman Dexter sent week before last demanding transparency and immediate action from the Department of the Interior following the resignation of Crater Lake Superintendent Kevin Heatley, who cited unsustainable staffing levels and severe operational strain.

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