Gate Opening at 6am in 2013!

[TJ aka Teej]

Togue Pond and Matagamon Gates will be opening at 6am and closing at 10pm for the entire summer season in 2013.
The 5 am gate opening at Togue Pond Gate (the south entrance ATers use) has been discontinued.

[FarmerChef]

Thanks for the update TJ. Is this due to sequestration? Not asking a political question here but I've seen other notices at other parks and am curious if this is related to that or something else.

[rickb]

Thanks for the update TJ. Is this due to sequestration? Not asking a political question here but I've seen other notices at other parks and am curious if this is related to that or something else.

Baxter is independently funded.

As far as I know they don't get a dime from the Feds-- or from the State of Maine for tha matter for that matter (I think, could be wrong).

[FarmerChef]

Ah ok. I've noticed similar cutbacks in other places. Just trying to get a sense of the impacts at various parks insofar as it may affect my hikes/plans this summer. Thanks.

[TJ aka Teej]

Rick, as usual, is correct.
Baxter Park is operated almost entirely through user fees and the interest from trust funds provided by Governor Percival Baxter.
A small portion of operating funds are gifts from the private sector.
Baxter State Park receives no tax dollars or other funds from the State of Maine or the Federal Government.
The change in hours merely represents the Park conforming best to visitor use.
The reserved parking spots program, and a down trend in day-use visitor numbers, seems to have curbed the need for lining up at the gate at 3AM.

[FarmerChef]

Thanks Rick and TJ. Sounds like they're being good stewards of the land. That brings a smile to my face. :)