Let Sounds of Silence Spread from Acadia

As part of her final project in her Environmental Science class, Acadia submitted a letter to the editor of the Portland Press Herald on behalf of Acadia National Park, for which she was named.  According to the teacher, Neil Rice, the assignment “was to research a current topic or issue that interested them (the students) and write an effective letter to the editor of the Portland Press Herald.”  Acadia’s letter as it appeared in the Press Herald is linked here.  The full text is below.  

To the Editor,

On Saturday, May 16, Acadia National Park declared a “car-free morning,” prohibiting the use of all motorized vehicles in the park from midnight to noon.

Additionally, the entrance fee was waived during this time, further encouraging visitors to explore Acadia without the inhibitions of smog, rumbling engines, and traffic congestion.

Given the non-stop lifestyle we have adopted, opportunities to slow the pace down should be maintained for the sake of our sanity. Preserved lands like Acadia allow visitors to break routine and experience the natural beauty of Maine.

To keep Acadia accessible to all people regardless of disability, it may not be possible to remove automobiles completely. However, I fully support the idea of reducing vehicle presence, and would encourage it further in the hopes of inspiring local and nationwide movements in our protected parks.
Promote this change by visiting Acadia during the next car-free morning on September 26, or writing a letter to the park expressing your support.