PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 13, 2025
Maine’s national parks, public lands and coastal programs are under threat. Acadia National Park, a cornerstone of Maine’s identity and economy, has lost essential year-round staff and canceled dozens of seasonal jobs due to federal cuts. That’s not just bad for the land — it’s bad for the communities and businesses that rely on it. Our National Wildlife Refuges — like Maine Coastal Islands and Moosehorn — have seen staffing and habitat restoration efforts slashed. Vital programs to protect puffins, marshlands and forest ecosystems are disappearing. A $9 million habitat restoration project was abruptly canceled. These cuts don’t just endanger wildlife and ecosystems — they put Maine people and livelihoods at risk. Public lands are our heritage, our economy and our responsibility to future generations. I urge our elected officials to fight for full funding of Acadia, protect Maine’s refuges and coastlines and reject the sale or privatization of any public lands. ~ Elizabeth Nitzel, Farmingdale