Voyageurs Superintendent Bob DeGross’ Retirement
Bob DeGross, superintendent of Voyageurs National Park since late 2016, has announced his retirement from the National Park Service (NPS), effective May 31, 2025. His departure marks the close of a distinguished 36-year career in public service. A native of west-central Wisconsin, DeGross has always held a deep connection to the northern woods of the Midwest, inspired early on by conservationists like Sigurd Olson and Aldo Leopold.
“It has been an honor to serve this incredible park and to work alongside a dedicated NPS team, passionate communities, and supporters,” said DeGross. “Together, we have fostered a deep appreciation for the natural world, and I am proud of the strides we have made in conservation, education, and visitor engagement.”
DeGross began his NPS career in 1989 and has held positions at several national parks, including Mammoth Cave, Shenandoah, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas. He spent nearly two decades in Florida, serving as the Shark Valley District Interpreter at Everglades National Park (1994–2003), and later as Chief of Interpretation and Public Affairs at Big Cypress National Preserve (2003–2016), where he played a key role in balancing off-road vehicle access with the conservation of the 729,000-acre preserve.
DeGross also participated in international conservation efforts, including work with Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesia, La Laguna del Tigre National Reserve in Guatemala, and with our neighboring Canadian partners through the Heart of the Continent Partnership. He played important roles in getting both Voyageurs and Big Cypress certified as Dark Sky areas through Dark Sky International.
At Voyageurs, DeGross led the park past multiple milestones, including the in the field implementation of the Voyageurs Wetland Restoration Project, the development of the Mukooda Trail, and major site improvements at the Kettle Falls Overlook. In partnership with the Voyageurs Conservancy, he helped launch the Voyageurs Mobile Classroom and the Field Fellows internship program.
His retirement comes as the park celebrates its 50th anniversary, a fitting capstone to his leadership. “This year holds a special significance,” DeGross said. “As we celebrate, I hope we continue to foster strong community relationships and look boldly toward the next fifty years.”
Known for his collaborative approach and deep roots in the north woods, DeGross will remain in International Falls after retirement, with plans to travel, including a long-awaited visit to Alaska and several other national parks.
Brian Harmon, the park’s program manager for natural and cultural resources, will serve as acting leadership following DeGross’s departure.
To celebrate Bob and his 36-year career, Voyageurs Conservancy, the National Park Service and Voyageurs National Park Employee Association will be hosting a retirement party at Thunderbird Lodge on June 12. For more information and registration, click here.
