EA for Rehabilitating Visitor Facilities at Echo Lake

Date: January 13, 2004
Contact: Judy Hazen Connery, [phone]
Contact: Jim Vekasi, [phone]

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes rehabilitating visitor facilities at Echo Lake Beach in Acadia National Park, Maine. This proposed work involves rehabilitating facilities and utilities, providing universal accessibility, and restoring a wetland. This work would be conducted to protect natural resources, improve visitor experiences, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared for public review and is now available. Three alternatives are described in the EA: no action (not rehabilitating Echo Lake Beach facilities); the preferred alternative of completing full rehabilitation of the Echo Lake Beach facilities; and a third option of partial rehabilitation. The Environmental Assessment explains the purpose and need for the project, describes natural resources near the project site, describes actions that would be taken to minimize adverse effects, and evaluates potential effects of each alternative.

The National Park Service is seeking public comments on the project. Written comments may be submitted until February 13, 2004, to:

• Superintendent Sheridan Steele
• Acadia National Park
• P.O. Box 177
• Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

Comments may also be mailed electronically.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment will be made available in local libraries or can be obtained from park headquarters at Acadia National Park, P.O. Box 177, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, [phone].