News Release

Solicitation for Proposals Cancelled for Wildwood Stables

Date: January 4, 2021
Contact: Christie Anastasia, 207-288-8806

BAR HARBOR, MAINE – The National Park Service has cancelled the solicitation for proposals for a concession contract operating carriage tours and equestrian services in Acadia National Park. The business opportunity for the operation of the Wildwood Stables was open for proposals from September 17, 2019 to January 7, 2020.

Under the regulations of the 1998 Concessions Management Act, the National Park Service (NPS) may cancel a solicitation if such action is decided to be in the public interest by the Director. This cancellation will allow the NPS to conduct further planning and analysis following broad market disruption by COVID-19 and operational changes to the business related to the pandemic. Any solicitation for proposals for a new business opportunity will be announced at a future date. Concurrent with the cancellation, the NPS has extended the existing contract under the current concessioner, Carriages of Acadia , LLC, to provide a continuity of visitor services.

"We sincerely appreciate the willingness of Carriages of Acadia to continue to provide uninterrupted services at Wildwood Stables, so that visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage tours on Acadia's carriage roads,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “With the disruption to the travel and tourism industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this will allow the market to stabilize before a new contract is awarded."