Protect Acadia National Park
Our national parks have been called “America’s best idea,” and Acadia is living proof. Yet parcels of land within Acadia National Park are privately owned and therefore vulnerable to development — and when the land comes up for sale, the park lacks the resources to purchase it. If Maine's senators commit to fixing the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Acadia can get the protection it needs.
Hundreds of places in Acadia at risk of development
At Acadia, families and friends have a unique opportunity to experience Maine’s most striking natural beauty — from taking in the views of Frenchman’s Bay atop Cadillac Mountain to biking on the 45 miles of carriage roads to exploring trails like the Precipice and Beehive.
Yet, Acadia is scattered with “holes” — about 130 tracts of land within the park that are privately owned and at risk of being developed. When people who own this land want to sell it to the park so it’s permanently protected, they can’t — because the park doesn’t have the resources to purchase it.
As a result, iconic places like Burnt Porcupine Island and Rum Key are not permanently protected. These gorgeous undeveloped islands are covered with shingle beaches, steep cliffs, and forests that support an array of coastal species, including the bald eagle. If houses were built on the islands, they would threaten these unique ecosystems and be highly visible from the park.
We need to protect every acre of Acadia for future generations.
Unfortunately, with Acadia suffering from chronic budget shortfalls, it’s too easy to picture treasured pieces of Maine’s natural heritage being sold off to the highest bidder.
Maine's senators have the opportunity to protect Acadia
Each year, Congress raids the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the program dedicated to protecting treasured places like Acadia National Park, and uses the money for other purposes.
But Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King have the chance to fix the program so that Acadia has the resources it needs to permanently protect all of the land within its boundaries. Environment Maine is bringing citizens together to convince Sens. Collins and King to make protecting Acadia a top priority in the new Congress and leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Mainers.
If enough of us speak out, we can ensure Acadia is protected, forever. Join our campaign by sending Sens. Collins and King a message today.
Urge Sens. Collins and King to protect Acadia National Park
Key Facts
- Nearly 130 "holes" within Acadia National Park are privately owned and lack permanent protection.
- Burnt Porcupine Island and Rum Key — home to Bald Eagles and other endangered wildlife — are potentially at risk of development.
- Your action and support can help us protect Acadia—in the same way that it helped us defend the North Woods from rollbacks.