Acadia

["vvarney" <vvarney@megalink.net>]

 

       Dear Sir or Madam:
    
     Thank you for contacting the National Park Service about the status of
     Wildwood Stable in Acadia National Park.  Over the past several weeks,
     National Park Service Director Robert Stanton, Regional Director Marie
     Rust, and park Superintendent Paul Haertel have received many letters,
     electronic messages and telephone calls concerning Wildwood Stable.
     The majority of concerns raised in these communications relayed a fear
     that the NPS would eliminate equestrian use of the carriage roads in
     the park and that horse camping, overnight stabling of horses, and
     special equestrian events would be unavailable this summer.  Because
     of the high volume of correspondence received, it is impossible to
     individually answer each inquiry. This letter addresses the majority
     of concerns.    
    
     Recently, the National Park Service and Edward Winterberg reached
     agreement on an interim noncompetitive contract for operation of
     Wildwood Stable for this season.  The new, temporary, contract
     replaces the original contract which was found to be legally null and
     void. 
    
     As in previous years, the stable will open on or about June 15. 
     Reservations for the 2000 season will be honored.  Ten overnight
     camping sites will be available, and day use equestrians will be
     accommodated.  In addition, carriage rides will be offered including
     the service of two fully handicapped accessible carriages.
    
     At the end of the operating season in October, all concession-owned
     temporary structures and equipment will be removed; and during the
     fall and winter, the park will make improvements to the barn and
     surrounding grounds.  National Park Service work will be accomplished
     using funds derived from concessioner franchise fee payments and
     revenue from park entrance and camping fees.  The National Park
     Service will also prepare a plan for future Wildwood Stable operations
     and improvements; and, will prepare and release a prospectus which
     will request competitive bids for a long-term contract.  We anticipate
     that a new contract will be in place for next season and future years.
    
     Acadia National Park has no intention of restricting or eliminating
     equestrian use of the park's carriage road system.  The park's General
     Management Plan and Commercial Services Plan document the park's
     commitment to providing safe and sanitary facilities that support
     equestrian use of the carriage road system by both concession patrons
     and visitors bringing their own horses. The park will assure the
     opportunity for safe and high quality visitor equestrian experiences
     in the future.
    
     Thank you for your deep interest in and support for Acadia National
     Park.
    
     Sincerely,
    
     Paul F. Haertel
     Superintendent