MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • April 19, 2020
Baxter State Park’s decision to not open to camping and traffic until at least July 1 is one more part of our economy succumbing to fear that sets a very poor example. The park typically opens the access roads about the middle of May. Why not wait until May 1 to make a decision when to open the roads and the park to camping and traffic? Provide the gate staff and rangers with face masks, gloves, coveralls, etc. Or require gate fees to be prepaid by credit card with the staff checking the license plate at the gate. Evaluate closing the few rental cabins. Announcing that the roads, campsites and Katahdin trailheads are to remain closed until at least July 1 is premature, succumbing to fear and unnecessarily hurting the region’s and Maine’s economy. ~ Carl Wilcox, New Gloucester