MAINE PUBLIC • December 30, 2024
Maine state parks had another near-record year for visitation, said Andy Cutko, director of the Bureau of Parks and Lands. He said that for the third time in four years, the parks welcomed over three million visitors — more than twice the population of Maine. But Cutko said its been difficult finding enough seasonal staff. The bureau also obligated $50 million from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan for improvements and maintenance at state parks, Cutko said. Those projects range from new equipment to accessible trails, and construction will continue in the new year. The state also continues to acquire new public lands, in line with the Maine Climate Council's goal of preserving 30% of the state by 2030.