Department of Conservation

Augusta, Maine - (November 6, 2001) The Maine Department of Conservation and Baxter State Park are joining the Dept. of Interior and the National Park Service this Veterans Day weekend by waiving the off-season, day-use admission fees at state parks and historic sites.

"People across our great land are using the strength of nature to rekindle the human spirit dampened by terrorist attacks on America," stated Conservation Commissioner Ron Lovaglio. "This occasion is to use our state and national parks to recognize our veterans, soldiers, firemen, and policemen for their personal sacrifices to protect America."

While most Bureau of Parks and Lands state parks and historic sites are not staffed at this time of year, and many entrance gates are not open, visitors are welcome to use these facilities this Veterans Day Weekend, Saturday, November 10, Sunday, November 11, and Monday, November 12, and won’t be expected to put a park use fee in the "iron ranger" collection box.

Baxter State Park, administered by the Baxter State Park Authority, will not charge a fee for non-resident day use for the holiday weekend; camping is closed for the season.

Find more information about Bureau of Parks and Lands' properties on the Internet at www.state.me.us/doc/parks and Baxter State Park at www.baxterstateparkauthority.com