Events & News
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and Maine Natural Areas Program staff near the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.
As a forester, ecologist, and outdoor enthusiast, I haven’t always adapted easily to a desk job. Even in the best of times, summer in Maine makes it challenging to spend endless hours in video conferences, e-mail exchanges, and phone calls. I know I’m not unique in that regard. Despite advances in technology, there are countless Bureau functions that simply can’t be done in a ‘virtual’ world – marking trees for harvest, evaluating the condition of a forest, or inspecting an ATV trail, logging job, or boat launch. As we all began adapting to a COVID world, one of the earliest questions from Bureau employees was, “Can we still do field work?” The short answer, thankfully, was Yes! The longer answer involves numerous COVID precautions --- including one person per vehicle, sanitation of vehicle surfaces following use, no sharing rooms or tents, physical distancing, use of face coverings when distancing is not possible, and various other safety measures (including creative solutions like collecting State Park fees with butterfly nets).
In recent weeks I’ve had the opportunity to meet with staff and partners to review Public Land management designations, evaluate potential land conservation prospects, and walk a Bureau harvest operation. Similarly, staff across the Bureau have continued to meet with loggers, landowners, conservation groups, and recreation advocates to ensure that the essential work of the Bureau gets done for the people of Maine. While the summer of 2020 is anything but normal, these activities serve as a good reminder that life – and work – goes on. More than ever, the summer of 2020 has brought out the best in the Bureau staff’s creativity, flexibility, and dedication, and those characteristics will serve us well in the months to come. (Photo of Bureau staff and partners on Quill Hill near Rangeley.)
~ Andy Cutko, Director, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
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In response to the fatal shark attack near Bailey Island, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Bureau of Parks and Lands, working in conjunction with the Maine Marine Patrol and following Maine State Parks protocol, and out of an abundance of caution, have activated safety measures. As of today, July 30, and subject to change without warning, they are:
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Popham Beach State Park is restricted to ankle-deep water access.
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Reid State Park is restricted to knee-deep water access (the lagoon at Reid State Park remains open).
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Ferry Beach State Park water access is limited to waist-deep water.
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Crescent Beach State Park water access is limited to waist-deep water.
All other coastal Maine State Parks are allowing regular water activity. Park Rangers and lifeguards are working hard to make our beaches safe and enjoyable for all who use them. DACF appreciates Park visitor understanding and cooperation.
Stay up to date by subscribing to Park Alerts and DACF News.
Have a Plan B
Refer to conditions reported in the Park Alerts before heading out and have a plan B in case your destination beach or park is at capacity. Here are tips for getting out and avoiding the crowds.
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We thank all of our Park visitors who are following the face coverings and physical distancing procedures. Your cooperation helps make everyone's visit safe and enjoyable.
Stay up to date with the COVID-19 safety precautions for Maine's Parks and Public Lands.
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A love of the outdoors and the birth of a child led to a three year Maine adventure that continues into 2020 with a second addition to the family.
Ray and Danielle Ruby have, as a couple and as individuals, always enjoyed hiking, camping, canoeing and doing whatever they can outdoors in Maine. They love being tourists in their state. So, when little Eloise was on her way, they made a pact that becoming parents later in life would not stop them from doing all the things they enjoy. Instead, they made a concentrated effort to expose Eloise to all of it, early and often.
"I know we are one of many families who utilize the Maine state parks system but I guess what makes us unique is that for the past three years or so we have been visiting them one-at-a-time and then also camping at all the family campgrounds," explained Ray. "We just hit our 30th park and we've been to many of these parks several times already or camped multiple times. Eloise is three-and-half and she's already done approximately 13 camping trips at the family campgrounds, all across the state. She started at six months but her younger sister, Adeline started at two months!"
"Rubys on the Road was created to help us capture our memories in a special way but also be a resource for others. Plus help showcase what Maine has to offer," added Danielle.
Even if you do not have children, you will find these candid posts inspiring. They include lots of photos and tips for what to do and see in and around the parks. Bureau staff are readers too; we enjoy learning about what visitors like most and where we might improve our service.
In an upcoming issue we will find out about the Rubys' camping adventure on Warren Island.
~Ruby family photos, from top: Wolfe's Neck Woods, Lily Bay and Two Lights State Parks.
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Sunset from the shore of Moosehead Lake at Lily Bay State Park. Photo by Rex Turner, BPL.
Kudos to the Lily Bay State Park staff whose thoughtfulness led to the following letter to the Bureau.
"I just wanted to let you know what a great team you have up in Lily Bay State Park. My wife and I were enjoying our stay when we had a bit of car trouble. Fearing we could not make it the 10 miles into town we pulled over in the park entry parking lot to call a tow truck. We were very quickly besieged by Good Samaritans from the Park. Jim and Rick (Maintenance Supervisor) offered to fix the car onsite and even ordered a serpentine belt for us! The next day, the part arrived in town but Rick’s schedule changed and was unable to tend to the vehicle. The Park Manager, Brian, offered to take an hour out of his busy day to follow us to town in case our car died along the way. We made it to the in-town shop and all was well. Truly, this is “above and beyond” duty for your hospitality staff. We are very appreciative of all the staff who helped and cared for us during our extended stay. I hope you keep hiring folks like this!"
Craig Roebuck
Otter Creek, ME
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The 2021 Maine State Park Pass will go on sale on August 15, 2020. It is a great deal because the 2021 Park Pass is good for the remainder of 2020 and all of 2021; that's sixteen months for the price of twelve months!
Purchase your 2021 Park Pass at a Maine State Park. View the list of participating parks and their day-use fees.
Please note that Maine State Park Passes are:
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Not accepted at Acadia National Park, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Baxter State Park, Maine Wildlife Park, Peacock Beach, Penobscot Narrows Observatory, Penobscot River Corridor, Scarborough Beach, the Songo Lock, or Swan Island.
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For day-use only and does not include camping.
A Maine State Park Pass is your day-entry key to extraordinary locations and activities. The photos at left show just some of these wonderful places. Top to bottom:
1. Sunset at Roque Bluffs State Park
2. Stone sculpture at Roque Bluffs State Park
3. Ranger cabin at Warren Island State Park
4. Adirondack shelter at Aroostook State Park
5. Cross country ski trail at Mount Blue State Park
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Fried Green Tomatoes
3 medium, firm green tomatoes
Salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
1 egg
1/3 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup cooking oil
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- Cut tomatoes into 1/2-inch slices. Sprinkle the slices with a little salt and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Use three shallow bowls for the coating ingredients: one for the flour and Cajun seasoning, one for the buttermilk and egg, and one for the breadcrumbs and cornmeal.
- Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet on medium heat. Beat the egg and the buttermilk together in the shallow bowl. Dip the green tomato slices in the flour-seasoning mix, then the buttermilk-egg mixture, then the cornmeal-breadcrumb mix.
- In the heated skillet, fry just a couple of the coated tomato slices at a time - making sure they do not touch each other. Fry 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Set the cooked tomatoes on paper towels to drain a few minutes, then serve.
~ Jen Neumeyer, Boating Facilities Secretary, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
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Now through September 8, get in the virtual fun that will inspire real outdoor adventures. You do not have to be affiliated with the Girl Scouts to join this free adventure!
Tracks and challenges tied to curated resources provide an assortment of opportunities for adults to get outside. And, our community will inspire each other virtually by using the hashtags #gsOutdoors and #CampAdventuresForGrownUps to share your adventures on Instagram and Facebook. Don't forget to tag @girlscoutsofmaine!
You can even select BFFs to take with you! (Best Flat Friends - inspired by Flat Stanley) The kayaker in the photo above has a crew of BFFs. This will add a whole lot of fun to your summer!
Begin your adventure now.
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The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964 (LWCF) was established to assist federal, state and local governments in the acquisition and/or development of public outdoor recreation facilities. Administered at the federal level by the National Park Service and at the state level by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, LWCF grants can provide up to 50% of the allowable costs for approved acquisition or development projects for public outdoor recreation.
- This year we have increased the maximum award to $500,000 for eligible projects.
- Applications are due by 5:00pm, Friday, May 28, 2021.
- The first step in any application is to request a pre-approval site inspection no later than 5:00pm Friday, October 30, 2020 by submitting this form.
Learn more about the application process by visiting the Bureau of Parks and Lands, Land and Water Conservation Fund website.
Great American Outdoors Act
In March of 2019 Congress passed legislation that permanently authorized LWCF. This month, Congress passed permanent and full funding of the program, and the bill awaits the President’s signature. In 2020 Maine was allocated $2,050,099 in LWCF. If signed into law, the Great American Outdoors Act has the capacity to more than double Maine's share of funding for this incredibly valuable program.
Since every grant must have at least 50% match, this funding represents a potential investment of over seven million dollars a year for the acquisition, development and or rehabilitation of Maine's outdoor recreation infrastructure. You can learn more about the Great American Outdoors Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund by visiting the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition.
~ Doug Beck, Outdoor Recreation Supervisor, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
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Aida Frey's book and her recent visit to Lamoine State Park. Aida is with Park Manager Haylee Parsons and Ranger Donovan.
America, Can I Have Your Autograph?
Aida Frey has been touring Maine this summer - last seen visiting Lamoine State Park. Keep your eye on this powerhouse of a young woman - she is a 2038 Presidential hopeful and says, "Get used to succeeding in life and you will never be bored!"
Open the travel diary of Aida Frey, America, Can I Have Your Autograph?, and you'll see America and our National Parks through her young eyes. You'll feel Aida's exuberance to explore and form friendships. From the start, she welcomes her readers and expresses her hope that all, especially kids, will be inspired to live their lives to the fullest. Her diary is opened to you - a four year fun-filled adventure to caves, canyons, mountains, railways, battlefields and even the White House! There are some terrific side trips along the way too! Don't miss joining Aida on her Two Hundred National Park Friendship Tour. Don't miss the finale 2-gun salute. Don't miss the fantastic conversations she has with America's Park Rangers.
We hope she is working on a State Parks edition and will be on the lookout!
~ Jocelyn Hubbell, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
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Chickens, Gin, and a Maine Friendship
If belly laughs and laughing so hard you cry is what you need right now, then read this book. The correspondence between E. B. White and Edmund Ware Smith is filled with the dry humor Mainers are known for. The letters reveal a very touching friendship between these literary giants. This book deserves a place on every Mainer's shelf. Its a keepah! Support your local bookstore and get this book for your permanent collection!
~ Jocelyn Hubbell, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
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Paddling Southern Maine
Sandy Moore and Kimberlee Bennett collaborated to write this guide to day trips for recreational kayakers, canoers, and SUPers (Stand-up Paddleboarders). Draw a line from Waterville to Mexico, ME and the guide covers paddling south of that line. The Routes-at-a-Glance section is a very useful overview review of the 54 paddles. It would be improved with a cross-reference to the page number of the in-depth description, but flip back to the Table of Contents and you'll find the paddle by its corresponding number. The Introduction includes trip preparation tips, notes about the various watercraft, mentions essential equipment and the "Ten Essentials" that every paddler should have on every trip. Launching, tides, weather and wildlife are also covered. Each paddle is well described and includes getting there, parking and launching, a paddle route description and map. Black and white photographs are included to call out potential wildlife sightings and points of interest.
This is a nice little guide that is easy to use and welcoming to both first-time and more experienced paddlers. A resource section at the back, though not 100% complete, is very useful for reaching out to get the most recent information from the waterway managers' websites or staff.
Take a peek and pick a new paddle!
~ Jocelyn Hubbell, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
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Send article suggestions or newsletter comments to Jocelyn Hubbell, Interpretive Specialist, webmaster, and newsletter editor for the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
www.ParksAndLands.com
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