Free Access to Acadia National Park
June 18, 2009
Augusta—Senator Dennis S. Damon (D-Hancock County) of Trenton is encouraging Maine residents to visit Acadia National Park this summer during the three fee-free weekends being offered by the National Park Service. The first such free weekend is this weekend, June 20-21, followed by July 18-19, and August 15-16, 2009.
“Acadia National Park is the 10th most visited National Park in the county yet far too many Mainers don’t take advantage of all it has to offer,” said Senator Damon. “These free weekends, starting this weekend, is the prefect time to explore the Park and enjoy its beauty.”
In addition to encouraging park visitation, National Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar hopes that the free weekends will provide a boost to communities and local business in or near national parks.
“The fee-free weekends are a great way for families to try hiking, bicycling, bird watching, fishing, or to attend Acadia’s ranger programs,” said Stephanie Clement, Conservation Director for Friends of Acadia. “If folks enjoy these activities, we encourage them to come back many times and to establish a lifelong relationship with the outdoors here.” Clement adds that the $40 annual entrance pass to Acadia is an outstanding value for Maine’s families, granting multiple entries to the park throughout the year. She also stated, “Our hope is that these fee-free weekends will develop a whole new generation of good stewards of our national parks.” Friends of Acadia and the National Park Service offer volunteer, interpretive, and family programs to encourage enjoyment and protection of Acadia National Park. For more information, go to www.friendsofacadia.org or www.nps.gov/acad.
“I am proud to represent Acadia in my senate district and I am pleased to welcome over 2 million visitors to the park each year,” said Senator Damon. “These three fee-free weekends will certainly ensure that Maine residents are counted amongst this year’s visitors.”
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