PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • July 18, 2025
On a recent family trip to hike Acadia National Park’s trails with my 6- and 11-year-old, I was reminded again how fortunate we are to enjoy places like Acadia and Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. But next year’s federal budget proposes to cut U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funding by 22%. This is devastating to Americans who value preserved lands and who enjoy them to fish, hunt, roam, spend time on water and enjoy nature’s beauty. The federal budget reconciliation bill just passed by Congress slashes resources. Soon, there may be no one to maintain walking trails, work at visitor centers, clean beaches and protect bird nesting sites. What are we doing? We are at risk of losing access to these cherished environments at a time when we need it most. Let’s all make our voices heard. ~ Sarvi Maisak teaches at Southern Maine Community College