Court blocks returning signs to Acadia, other national parks and monuments

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • July 2, 2026

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston ordered Thursday that the federal government does not have to return signs to national parks and monuments by the end of this week, including ones on climate science and Indigenous history in places like Acadia National Park. In February, half a dozen organizations filed a suit arguing that the removal of the signs violated the National Park Service Centennial Act and is “arbitrary and caricious” as well as “excessive.” A judge granted that motion last month, and the signs were set to be returned by Friday. However, the Department of the Interior is appealing that decision, and the appeals court ordered Thursday that the signs do not need to be returned for the time being.