The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry wishes to remind Maine residents who are veterans and were honorably discharged, or who received a general discharge under honorable conditions, that they are eligible for a free, life-time, day-use pass to Maine state parks and historic sites.
“We are honored to be able to offer this small token of our gratitude to Maine veterans in recognition of their outstanding service to this country,” said Walter Whitcomb, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, which oversees Maine state parks and historic sites. “We are proud and thankful for all that our veterans have contributed to the security and freedom of our country.”
Maine has 48 state parks and historic sites, many of which have activities and are open even during winter months. The free pass for veterans is for individual day use for park entrance and must be presented each time along with appropriate identification.
The park passes for veterans are available through the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, which will determine whether the veteran is eligible for the free park pass. Veterans who would like to apply for the pass can find the application form online at http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/veteranpass.html.
The form must be completed and returned with a copy of the veteran’s DD214 form (military service record) and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The application should be mailed to: Bureau of Maine Veterans’ Services, 117 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0117.
The pass is not valid for the following locations: Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Penobscot River Corridor, Penobscot Narrows Observatory, and the Maine Wildlife Park.
For more information, contact Maine Veterans Services at (207) 626-4464 or [email protected].
