Environmental Threats

 
Acadia National Park is a very different place than it was at its founding more than 105 years ago. While its beauty endures, its forests, lakes and coasts have been impacted through land use, pollution, tourism, invasive species, and, most pressingly, climate change.

Acadia’s temperatures are warming, growing seasons are lengthening, we have more precipitation, with bigger storms. Sea level has risen by eight inches since 1950, and the ocean is warmer and more acidic. Invasive animals, pests, diseases, and plants are capitalizing on stressed ecosystems to spread further and deeper, outcompeting native species.

These changes are likely to continue and accelerate, with dramatic impacts on the park we all love. Together, with our partners in science at Friends of Acadia and Schoodic Institute, we are taking action to ensure that Acadia’s beauty and vitality endures.
 

Climate Change

While changes in weather take place over minutes, hours, or days, changes in climate are measured over years, decades, or centuries. Weather data have been collected in Acadia since 1916, giving us a window into long-term shifts in the park’s climate. Acadia’s climate is changing. As a result, we are applying new approaches to management that uses the future as the guide. Learn more about how climate change is impacting Acadia, and how Acadia is leading the way in using science-based management approaches so future visitors will be able to experience and enjoy the things we love most about Acadia.

 
Lake surrounded by forest and small mountains
Climate Change

As national parks and green spaces everywhere experience large scale climate change, what do we stand to lose?

a researcher stands at a table surrounded by green plants, rocks in the background
Science at the Summit

Learn about the ways climate change is challenging researchers to rethink how they manage Acadia's fragile mountain summits.

blue sky reflects in standing water below green hills
Great Meadow Wetland

Learn about this expansive wetland ecosystem and the steps scientists are taking to restore its health in the face of change.

sunset reflected in water amongst wetland grasses
Bass Harbor Marsh

Learn more about beautiful Bass Harbor Marsh and efforts by researchers and volunteers to stem the tide of invasive species.

 

Non-Native Species

Among the greatest environmental challenges facing Acadia National Park is the presence and threat of invasive species. Non-native species, especially those considered invasive, threaten communities of native plants and animals across the United States.

Invasive species are those which do not naturally occur in a specific area and cause ecological and economic damage. The majority of invasive species are also non-indigenous but some native species can become invasive too (i.e. deer in some areas). Many different organisms can become invasive pests including invasive plants, and invasive pests, animals, and diseases.

Whether the intention is accidental or intentional, these alien invaders can wreak havoc on an ecosystem. Invasive pests are successful in establishing populations on alien turf because their natural predators (disease, herbivore/carnivores) do not exist in the new territory and therefore can out-compete native species for resources. Invasive species can eliminate their native counterparts or destroy whole populations if gone unchecked. Managing invasive species is a large committment from park staff, including scientific research, prevention, and removal.

 
A park ranger wearing protective gear kneels to examine a plant
Invasive Plants

Invasive plants threaten Acadia's native ones. Learn more about these alien invaders and the steps park staff take to keep them at bay.

A purple trap hangs from a tree in front of a small building
Pests, Diseases & Invasive Animals

Learn more about the steps park staff take to manage pets, invasive animals, and diseases that can kill an organism or an entire species.

 

Air Pollution

Located along the mid-coast of Maine, Acadia is downwind from large urban and industrial areas in states to the south and west. Periodically, high concentrations of air pollutants blow into the park from these areas. Acadia is considered a Class I area under the Clean Air Act, which means that the park deserves the highest level of air-quality protection.

 
A hazy sky over trees and a distant mountain
Air Pollution and Visibility

Acadia is deeply involved in the National Park Service's comprehensive air resources management program.

blue sky beyond rocky mountain top and trees
Scenic Views and Viewsheds

Learn about the natural and historically designed scenic views in Acadia as the lengths scientists are going to to protect them.

 

Threatened & Endangered Species

Rare, threatened, at-risk and endangered species require a higher level of concern, management and care. Bats, migratory birds, insects, and rare plant populations are particularly vulnerable to the stresses of climate change, invasive species, and trampling by visitors. Bats particulary suffer from the White Nose Syndrome. Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles, and Harlequin ducks join migratory birds as some of the main at-risk species at Acadia.

 
A bald eagle sits on a pine tree looking sideways
Threatened & Endangered Species

Learn more about the federally and state listed endangered and threatened species managed by Acadia National Park.

a light shines on a small brown bat on a tree stump
Bats

These small, often misunderstood animals lead incredible lives. Learn about them and the many threats that have pushed them to brink.

A bald eagle flying
Birds

Acadia's most famous creatures, with more than 300 species reported!

 

Managing Environmental Threats

You can learn more about how the park and its partners come together to manage and plan for environmental threats and other issues on the park management page. Environmental threats join a long list of other management challenges including managing cultural landscapes and resources, and managing visitors and infrastructure that are all a part of caring for Acadia National Park.
 
Park staff meeting
Management

Learn more about What We Do to manage Acadia National Park including planning, administration, and operations.

a person waters plants in the outdoors
Protecting Nature

Learn more about the strategies and approaches of the National Park Service to protect and preserve nature for future generations.

crowds of people walk down the steps toward a rocky ocean cliff
Manage Visitors

Learn more about the many ways that park staff help manage visitor behavior and impacts to protect the park.

a stone wall
Preserve History

Learn more about the many ways that Acadia preserves its historic resources including historic structures, museum collections, and data.

 

Last updated: September 15, 2022

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Mailing Address:

PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Phone:

207 288-3338

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