It's as simple as that. The donation will be announced today, Thursday, by Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt and National Park Service Director Robert Stanton. The effort will be called Acadia Trails Forever. Olson said his organization is up to 82 percent of the total goal, which means it is the right time to announce the campaign. With 130 marked trail miles in the park, maintenance costs each year due to erosion caused by hikers and weather are extensive, he said.
Volunteers help clean up debris and repair erosion.
Acadia Trails Forever restorations will begin in spring 2001. Friends of Acadia has already begun this seasons's restoration of the Jordan Pond Loop Trail, which was overdue for a touch-up. Due to erosion, tree roots and once-covered rocks stick out of the ground. Acadia Trails Forever will provide funding to do so, according to Olson. Inc. Reproduction without permission is strictly forbidden.