BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 30, 2021
Parks across the country have seen record-breaking numbers of visitors this summer, even as we continue to grapple with the impacts of COVID-19. Despite the implementation of a reservation system for Cadillac Mountain, the park counted 660,779 visitors in June 2021, an increase of nearly 35% from June 2019. And July was the single busiest month on record. Visitation to Acadia has increased about 60% over the past 10 years. The Great American Outdoors Act provided funds to address the maintenance backlog in our national parks. Permanent and full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund can be used to purchase inholdings. We must continue to prioritize the protection of our national parks and public lands. President Biden’s America the Beautiful plan, which sets a goal of conserving 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030, is a good start. We urge Congress to make sure that our national parks are preserved for the enjoyment of our children and their children. ~ Sheridan Steele retired as superintendent of Acadia National Park after a 38-year career with the National Park Service