FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Saturday, December 22, 2018

CONTACT:  Earl Brechlin, Director of Communications

earl@friendsofacadia.org

Statement from Friends of Acadia President David MacDonald on the federal government shutdown of Acadia National Park:

BAR HARBOR – “Even though it is much quieter here at Acadia compared to just a few weeks ago, a government shutdown is never good news for our national parks.  All through the year, park staff are at work preserving and protecting park resources, and Friends of Acadia hates to see these professionals sidelined by a shutdown, knowing that Acadia is already under-funded and under-staffed. 

“We hope that officials in Washington D.C., can find a way to step away from the recent cycle of impasse, shutdown, eventual compromise and reopening which only confuses and inconveniences the public and adds to the burden of those who care for our most treasured natural resources.

“We are relieved that the park itself is not closed to public use as in other shutdowns, but want to remind visitors that services are not available and assistance in any emergency may be delayed.

“FOA wants to express our support for all park employees during this frustrating time, and hope to see them back on the job soon.”