update of Acadia-Wildwood Stables

[Pam Johnson <pam-john@ma.ultranet.com>]

To all interested in the situation at Acadia National Park in Maine, this is a recent update, posted with permission from the Ed and Bobbye Winterberg.

Pam In MA



> From: "Bobbye Winterberg" <bobbye@iglou.com>
> To: "Pam Johnson" <pam-john@ma.ultranet.com>
> Subject: Re: Acadia-Wildwood Stables
> Date: Mon, 22 May 2000 19:56:44 -0400
> X-Priority: 3
>
> Pam,
> >Ed is working hard on all possible solutions to providing stabling to
> >visitors with reservations. No word has come from above (Washington)on the
> >status of in-park stabling now or in the future.
> >No monies have been processed since the park notified us of the stables
> >closure, and no monies will be processed.  As soon as we're able to go
> >forward, we'll be needing to know who still has plans to come to the area
> >this summer with horses.  That's why some date had to be established-- to
> >keep records in order.
> >In the case of the stables not opening this summer, some equestrians can be
> >stabled outside the park in our stalls.  Not everyone with reservations can
> >be stabled this way as we won't have as many stalls to offer.
> >Every person facing their summer plans being turned upside-down has to make
> >their own decision and we accept any decision they make.  We have to keep
> >some sense of order and know the status of our stabling reservations in the
> >best case scenario of the stables opening on schedule.
> >  If you do not have a comfort level to confirm your reservation, just keep
> >communications open so we know what the status of your visit is.
> >We hope very soon to put some plan in motion, but that depends on how the
> >Director rules.
> >This is a critical time to be heard because once the park expels the stalls
> >from wildwood, there are no plans on the table to rebuild any overnight
> >stabling.
> Bobbye
>
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: <mailto:pam-john@ma.ultranet.com>Pam Johnson
> > To: <mailto:bobbye@iglou.com>Bobbye Winterberg
> > Sent: Monday, May 22, 2000 7:22 AM
> > Subject: Re: Acadia-Wildwood Stables
> >
> > Ed and Bobbye,
> >
> > There are many folks out here who have reservations and are planning to visit Acadia this summer who need an update before June 15. Under the circumstances, no one wants to send any more money if we are not sure if Wildwood is going to be open.
> >
> > I am also on a ride forum and there are lots of horse people wondering just what is going on. There have been many rumors floating around and we'd certainly appreciate an honest account of what is happening and what you think the outcome might be.
> >
> > I wrote my letters when you asked, Now I'd like an update from you in return.
> >
> > Thank you,
> > Pam Johnson
> > Thank you for the copy of your letter protesting the attempt to close Wildwood Stables in Acadia.
> >
> > If its not too much trouble, email a copy of your letter to:
> >
> > 1.Paul Haertel, Superintendent of Acadia National Park email: <mailto:ACAD_Superintendent@nps.gov>ACAD_Superintendent@nps.gov
> >
> > 2. Marie Rust, Regional Director
> > email <mailto:Marie_Rust@nps.gov>Marie_Rust@nps.gov
> >
> >
> > For those of you who don't know, the excuse to cancel the permit was a legal technicality, i.e.,Whether or not the park service "formally" approved (ten years ago) the merger of our initial corporation into our Wildwood Management corporation. The first we knew they had any concern about it was when we received a certified letter summarily canceling the concession permit.
> >
> > The real agenda seems to be to minimize horse use in the park by eliminating visiting equestrian stabling in the park. Currently the concession owns and provides all the visiting equestrian overnight stabling.. Park management has long been opposed to horse camping using portable fencing etc. So at the moment only day use parking will be available.
> >
> > Don't despair,...we have friends in high places...keep up the letters...and with your continued help..we will get this foolishness turned around... so you and other private horse owners will have a fair and reasonable opportunity this summer and in the future, to traditionally experience the finest system of horse roads in the world!
> > Ed & Bobbye Winterberg