Ever been to a Maine state park? If not, get out there.
You’ll be in good company.
According to the Maine Department of Conservation, park visits are booming this year, up 37 percent at this time compared to last year for camper visits and day-use visits.
Part of that increase is due to the spectacular weather we’re enjoying, compared to the near-steady early-summer rain of 2009. And, part of that increase is because the Bureau of Parks and Lands is heavily promoting the state parks with its passport program in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Maine State Park System.
Last year, by the end of June, 539,927 visitors — from Maine and around the world — had visited a Maine park. At the end of June 2010, visits numbered 739,961.
The most-visited so far this year is Reid State Park — the first saltwater beach in the park system — accounting for 62,737 day visits. That’s an impressive 55 percent increase over 2009, when 40,218 visitors entered the Georgetown park.
The second-most popular site has been Popham Beach State Park, accounting for another 57,676 visits. That’s a 21 percent increase over 2009, when 47,646 people headed for the Phippsburg shore.
It’s no exaggeration to say that people are streaming to Maine’s parks to enjoy the lakes, mountains, forests, seacoast and history of these lands.
Last weekend, 1,500 people attended a Civil War re-enactment at Fort Knox State Historic Site in Prospect.
This weekend, hundreds are expected to visit Lamoine State Park in Ellsworth to see a parade of wooden boats.
Thousands more will visit the state’s other 46 parks and historic sites for a day, or set up camp at one of the state’s 12 campgrounds for several days.
According to the Department of Conservation, 2.3 million visitors entered park gates last year, resulting in a $100 million positive impact for Maine.
Fees paid by visitors are all funneled to the state’s general fund, and the general fund returned $6.8 million to the parks for maintenance and operations in fiscal 2010. It seems odd that visitor fees aren’t directly used to fund park operations so the parks could turn increased visits into improvements instead of relying on bond referenda, but that’s not likely to change under Maine’s current budget constraints.
As astonishing as Maine’s park system is, what may be the most amazing thing is how much of the land came into the public’s possession.
Reid State Park was a gift from businessman Walter E. Reid, with the condition it be preserved forever.
Maine’s first state park, Aroostook State Park, was also a gift from local businessmen.
In all, the Bureau of Parks and Lands holds 718,000 acres in property and easements, much of that donated by people who want to share their love of Maine with the public.
These are tremendous gifts that belong to all Mainers, and since we pay to maintain and manage these lands, we ought to take every opportunity to enjoy the treasures that they are.
So, make time to visit the twin lighthouses at Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth. Check out the batteries at Fort Baldwin State Historic Site in Phippsburg, drop a line at Sebago Lake State Park, pack a picnic to enjoy at Rangeley Lakes State Park, inspect the waterfalls at Grafton Notch State Park in Newry, or meander along the paths at Wolfe Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.
Maine’s parks belong to us. Arrange a visit.
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