Kevin Schneider

Despite rain, Memorial Day weekend saw visitor numbers comparable to the last few years. The report came amid concerns that U.S. tensions with Canada might hurt Maine's summer tourism season. 

A plan is in the works to build another 28-bedroom development in Bar Harbor. The National Park Service awarded the $10 million contract. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall.

Now in its 25th year, the service reduces both traffic congestion and carbon emissions in Acadia National Park. Electric buses are next.

The park had 30% of seasonal positions unfilled this year due to lack of employee housing. The National Park Service and Friends of Acadia have identified two suitable sites on park-owned land that could provide housing for 60-plus seasonal employees.

A housing shortage has a direct impact on Acadia’s ability to hire a seasonal workforce. The project will build eight units on land acquired from the Rockefeller family.

Increased park visitation in September and October could be due to the leaf-peeping season shifting later into the fall. That information could inform visitor service staffing.

Nearly 4 million visitors last year brought an economic benefit of $691 million to communities within 60 miles of the park. The numbers in 2021 were higher.

The project will demolish 20,000 square feet of unsafe structures and eliminate $4.4 million of deferred maintenance and repairs. The new, year-round facility will provide ample parking, new roads, spacious storage and upgraded utilities.

Acadia National Park has fewer than 100 beds for the 160 seasonal positions the park wants to fill. “By expanding housing options, the Kingsleigh property will increase our capacity to recruit and retain seasonal staff members,” said Acadia Superintendent Kevin Schneider.

The initiative is driven by real estate values that have climbed sharply on Mount Desert Island, and access to year-round housing that is affordable has become increasingly challenging for many people who work on the island and earn an average income.