National Park Service to end lease at Little River Canyon Center
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Federal cuts to the National Park Service (NPS) are having impacts in areas across the country, including here in Alabama.
The Little River Canyon Center was on the list of 34 stations where leases will be ended by the NPS. Just last year, a report showed the national preserve in Fort Payne generated nearly $500 million in economic output for the state since opening in 2009.
Jacksonville State University will continue to run the center and it’s currently unclear what kind of impact the NPS announcement will have on the building.
The lease is set to end Dec. 31, 2025.
Cuts to the National Park Service
In addition to eliminating around 1,000 staff members + hiring freezes, the new administration has also called for canceling 34 Park Service building leases that house visitor centers, law enforcement offices, museums and hubs for critical programs.
Little River Canyon Center was on the list of nine visitor centers and visitor contact stations slated for lease cancellations.
“It’s a slap in the face to the hundreds of millions of people who explored our parks last year and want to keep going back. Americans love their national parks; these cuts do not have public support. As peak travel season arrives, park visitors will have to contend with closed visitor centers and campgrounds, canceled ranger programs, and less search and rescue staff. If building leases are cancelled, it will make these problems worse.”
Kristen Brengel, NPCA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs
The other visitor centers on the list included:
- Morris Thompson Visitor Center, Fairbanks, AK, Dunkle St.
- Southern Arizona office, AZ, N Central Ave
- New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park Visitor Center, LA, N Peters St
- Mississippi National River, MN, Kellogg Blvd
- Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center, NE, W Highway 20
- Salinas Pueblo Missions, NM, Ripley Ave
- Missouri National Recreational River Visitor Center, SD, 508 East 2nd Street
- Klondike Gold Rush, WA, 2nd Ave S
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville State University President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. released a statement Wednesday afternoon, responding to the closure of the National Park Service’s office in the building.
“A portion of the facility is leased to the National Park Service, but Jax State remains responsible for the building’s management, operations, and programming. The Canyon Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Central Time) and is available to rent for meetings, corporate retreats, and special events. The building itself is a model of sustainability, earning LEED Silver Certification for its innovative environmental design, which includes geothermal heating and cooling, recycled materials, and enhanced insulation.”
Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., Jax State President
The Little River Canyon Center is a JSU facility, adjoining the Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne. The center features:
- Grand Hall
- HD movie theater
- Gift shop
- Natural history library
- Exhibits
- Classrooms
- Outdoor amphitheate
- Scenic trails
For more information about the Canyon Center’s hours and programs, visit Jax State’s Canyon Center website.
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