You are here

Home » Acadia National Park Working On Transportation Plan For The Future

Acadia National Park Working On Transportation Plan For The Future

Share

Published Date

May 22, 2015
Alternate Text
Does Acadia National Park need more than the Island Explorer to move visitors around?/NPS

Zion National Park has a shuttle that works on a mandatory basis during the high season. Bryce Canyon National Park works with an optional shuttle, as does Glacier Nationa Park. Acadia National Park long has seen the Island Explorer help move people around the park, but is there a better option?

That's the question Acadia officials are studying, and they've scheduled some meetings to gain public input. The purpose of the transportation plan is to determine ways to provide safe and efficient transportation for visitors while ensuring the protection of park resources and values, park officials note. The meetings coming up in June and July are designed to get feedback on issues related to traffic, parking, and all modes of transportation in the park.

Transportation issues at Acadia are diverse and complex. Visitors travel to and within the park by private vehicle, tour bus, bicycle, ferry, Island Explorer bus, and other modes. A park-wide transportation plan is needed to determine ways to improve safety, reduce congestion and crowding, avoid impacts to park resources, and provide visitors with a high-quality experience. Using input from the public and ongoing social science research, the park will identify a range of transportation and visitor-use management strategies.

'œThe NPS relies heavily on public involvement to help guide the stewardship of Acadia National Park, and we look forward to hearing the public'™s concerns and ideas related to transportation in the park,' Superintendent Sheridan Steele said.

Public meetings to discuss the transportation plan and environmental impact statement are scheduled for:

* Wednesday, June 3

* Thursday,  July 30

They'll be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Peninsula School (gymnasium) at 71 Main Street (Route 186) in Prospect Harbor, Maine

* Thursday,  June 4

* Wednesday, July 29

They'll be held from from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mount Desert Island High School (library) at 1081 Eagle Lake Road (Route 233) in Bar Harbor, Maine

Conversations with visitors and other stakeholders will continue throughout the planning period, which runs to August 3. For more information about the transportation plan and environmental impact statement, please visit this website, or call John Kelly, Park Planner, at 207-288-8703.

Related Stories:

Acadia National Park Going Cashless, Lawsuit Challenging That Continues
Wyoming Seeking Federal Land Grab, Utah Wants To Co-Manage National Parks
Acadia National Park Extending Reservation Periods For Campgrounds

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Acadia on my mind on May 22, 2015 - 7:31am.

Might an occasional car-free Saturday morning be part of Acadia National Park's transportation plan of the future? The one this past Saturday seemed to be a hit, letting visitors bike, walk and run the Park Loop Road, or up the Cadillac Mountain Road, without having to watch out for cars. There's another car-free Saturday morning coming up in September, as part of a pilot project to develop the overall transportation plan and ease the congestion. Read more about ways to have a car-free - and carefree - experience in Acadia in our recent blog post: www.acadiaonmymind.com/2015/05/footloose-and-fancy-free-car-free-and-car...

 

 


Submitted by Evelyn Ellis on August 30, 2015 - 10:15am.

Speed limit 25 throughout park loop. Speed limit on Cadillac enforced for bicycles descending. Limit big bus trips on Cadillac. 


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.