FOA President and CEO Eric Stiles. (Photo by Lily LaRegina/Friends of Acadia)

This summer, once again, the American public is showing just how deeply they cherish our national parks. Across the country, visitation numbers are soaring. Here in Acadia, despite several rainy weekends in June, visits were up 5.4 percent compared to last year—marking the second-highest June visitation on record.

Yet even as our nation’s love for parks grows, the National Park System is facing one of its most challenging chapters in recent history.

In July, the National Parks Conservation Association reported that the National Park Service has lost nearly a quarter of its permanent staff since January. Many have been pushed to resign or retire, and an ongoing hiring freeze has made it nearly impossible to replace these critical roles. Compounding the issue, after mandated hiring delays, parks nationwide are struggling to hire the seasonal staff they depend on during peak months. Only about 4,500 of the 7,700 seasonal positions needed had been filled by peak season—just under 60 percent.

As if that weren’t enough, a recent federal budget agreement will rescind $267 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds earmarked for park staffing—and additional layoffs and departmental restructuring are expected at any time, further threatening the capacity of park professionals who are already stretched thin.

Like at many national parks, rangers at Acadia are doing more with less during what may become one of the busiest seasons ever.

Together with a broad coalition of local park supporters, national park advocacy organizations, fellow Friends organizations, community and business leaders, and individuals like you, we have been calling on congressional leaders to stand up for parks—to support these incredible places that belong to all Americans, that generate millions of dollars for our gateway communities, and that represent a legacy to be passed down to future generations. Our parks and the people who care for them deserve better.

But even through these challenging times, there is important work being done that will create transformational positive change in Acadia.

This summer, storm recovery funds, advocated for by Friends of Acadia and secured by Maine’s delegation, will begin to make their way to Acadia. These funds will support lasting upgrades to storm-damaged infrastructure, strengthen Acadia’s resilience to more frequent storms, and improve accessibility so more people can experience the park’s most treasured places.

A new park maintenance building, funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund, part of the Great American Outdoors Act, will create a safer, more efficient space for park staff and volunteers to repair equipment, work, and train.

And construction is moving forward on a 56-bedroom seasonal employee housing facility at Harden Farm in Bar Harbor, made possible through the support of generous donors and a 2-to-1 match by federal funds.

This addition, combined with the 58 beds created by Friends of Acadia and Acadia National Park for seasonal housing since 2023, will significantly increase the availability of attainable housing for park and partner employees – supporting every aspect of park operations for generations to come.

There is still much work to do—to protect our national parks and support the dedicated public servants who care for them. But I remain hopeful. I am buoyed by the determination of our members and partners, the support of our community, the passion of our volunteers, and the joy I see on the faces of first-time visitors I pass on the trail.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us in support of national parks. Together, we will continue to build strong
foundations for the future and raise our voices in support of America’s best idea.