Vandalism and bad behavior in Acadia spark concerns about staff shortages and funding cuts

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 18, 2026

Rocks painted neon pink, trash left behind in a wooded area and a rise in misbehavior have locals questioning the staffing levels in Acadia National Park. Last year, with more than 4 million visits recorded, Acadia had its busiest year since the park’s new visitation counting method began in 1990. August was only the second time the park has surpassed 800,000 visits in one month. Between the influx of visitors and cuts to funding and staffing implemented by President Trump, locals are noticing the strain. The recent vandalism isn’t the only instance in which park visitors have left their trace this summer. A bright pink smiley face was graffitied onto a tree, as well as on boulders and a footbridge. Friends of Acadia had to dismantle as many as 150 rock stacks on Bar Island. Locals have also reported instances of visitors disobeying park rules, such as swimming in a public water supply and speeding e-bikes on carriage roads.