 February 2026
Bureau staff at the Outdoor Economy Summit. Front row: Niki Lazure, Christy Owen, Heron Dufault. Back row: Doug Beck, Em Brown, Adam Fisher, Matt Foster, Andy Cutko.
Outdoor recreation, in its many forms, has always been a staple of Maine’s culture and economy, and that role has seemed more prominent in recent years. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) indicates that outdoor recreation creates $3.4 billion in value-added impact for Maine and accounts for 3.7% of Maine’s Gross Domestic Product, which ranks Maine 6th nationally. Recent years have seen the creation of Maine’s Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) in the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, the emergence of the private-sector Maine Outdoor Brands collaborative, and the development of Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Road Map. I was fortunate to join several BPL staff at the recent Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, celebrating Maine’s growing outdoor traditions and plotting a course for the future. One speaker proclaimed 2026 as ‘The Year of the Digital Detox’ (I LOVE that idea…), and another discussed the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in the outdoor sector, along with rising concerns about the energy and environmental impact of data centers.
Most of all, I enjoyed the chance to connect with old and new colleagues, hear some inspiring stories of entrepreneurship, and reaffirm our collective commitment to Maine’s outdoors.
~ Andy Cutko, Director, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
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Visual artists may apply, beginning on February 2, for the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Artist Residency at the rustic and remote one-room Lock Dam Cabin during two weeks in August. For 28 summers it was the home of Dorothy Boone Kidney and her husband Milford, where they provided information to canoeists and tended the dam. Dorothy wrote two books about their life at Lock Dam.
The Residency's goal is to immerse a visual artist in the exceptional AWW wilderness to interpret and share their experience through their art. The selected artist will receive a $1,000 stipend from the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation.
Read all the details to find out what the selected artist will receive, what is required of the artist, a sample application, and how to apply.
The deadline to apply is Monday, March 2.
Good luck!
~ Mark Deroche, Superintendent of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway
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Lifeguard on duty at Popham Beach State Park.
Now is the time to become American Red Cross general lifeguard certified at your local YMCA or recreation department before June 8. The Bath YMCA will be offering lifeguard classes throughout the late Winter and Spring; contact the Bath YMCA aquatics director at (207) 443-4112 x23.
Open water lifeguard certification is not required, and initial lifeguard certification costs will be reimbursed once you complete the Maine State Parks lifeguard academy and a full 11-week season at Maine State Parks.
- Read the Maine State Parks Lifeguard Brochure.
- Already Certified and want to lifeguard at a Maine State Park this summer? Text or call Sean Vaillancourt at (207) 557-2391
~ Sean Vaillancourt, Maine State Parks Lifeguard Coordinator and Popham Beach State Park Manager
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On February 2* camping reservations will open at 9:00 a.m. EST for only Lily Bay and Sebago Lake State Park campgrounds. Make your reservations online at www.CampWithME.com
* Storm Date if Maine State Government is closed: Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
On February 5** camping reservations will open at 9:00 a.m. EST for all State Park campgrounds (See Note below). Make your reservations online at www.CampWithME.com
**Storm Date if Maine State Government is closed: Friday, February 6, 2026.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Aroostook and Cobscook Bay State Parks will reopen for primitive camping and day-use at the start of the 2026 camping season. Drinking water, flush toilets, and showers will not be available. Vault toilets will be available. All park visitors must bring their own drinking water.
~ Madelyn Johnson, Camping Reservations Manager
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The campground maps for Maine State Parks have been updated for the 2026 camping season. Please review them before making your reservation.
Aroostook and Cobscook Bay State Parks will reopen for primitive camping and day-use at the start of the 2026 camping season. Drinking water, flush toilets, and showers will not be available. Vault toilets will be available. All park visitors must bring their own drinking water.
Campground Maps:
~ Madelyn Johnson, Camping Reservations Manager
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Online reservations are not available for Group Camping** or Picnic Shelter Reservations. Please call the park directly, beginning on February 2.
*Storm Date if Maine State Government is closed - Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: Aroostook and Cobscook State Parks will reopen for primitive camping and day-use at the start of the 2026 camping season. Drinking water, flush toilets, and showers will not be available. Vault toilets will be available. All park visitors must bring their own drinking water.
~ Madelyn Johnson, Camping Reservations Manager
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Winter camping, with tents only, is available through March 15 at select Maine State Parks, and on Public Lands. If you are new to winter camping, plan to camp at a Maine State Park first. These locations provide the challenge of winter camping and offer a good range of front country and remote sites to test your skills. Even for the experienced it is good to start the season off with an easily accessible location as a test run before heading out to more challenging terrain. Highly experienced winter campers, or those who will be led by a Registered Maine Guide, are ready for the remote settings found on Maine's Public Lands.
View the Winter Camping video and see all the details on our Off-season and Winter Camping webpage.
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Ski & Snowshoe Trailer at Mount Blue State Park.
Click on the Maine State Park Ski & Snowshoe Trailer Schedule to download it as a PDF.
February 2026
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February 7 - Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Brooksville
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join us for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and skating (ski or walk in) along with warm refreshments and a fire. The Ski and Snowshoe trailer will be loaning gear for free on-site use. Meet at the Backshore Trailhead on Indian Bar Road in Brooksville. Free park admission at Holbrook Island Sanctuary all year long. FMI: (207) 326-4012. Note: The Ski & Snowshoe Trailer will be onsite for equipment loans from January 29 to February 9.
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February 14 & 15 - Range Pond State Park, Poland
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Visitor Appreciation Days at Range Pond State Park.
Join us on February 14 & 15 for the Winter Fun Visitor Appreciation Days during school vacation week. The Maine State Parks Ski & Snowshoe Trailer will be loaning cross-country ski and snowshoeing gear, free with paid Special Event admission. Learn to ice fish - it's a free ice fishing weekend - and clean and take your trout home. And there will be a mammal tracks and pelt display, kids winter wildlife hunt with prizes, a warming fire, and free snacks and hot drinks while they last. Gear is for on-site use; free with special event park admission: Ages 12 to 65 $1.50; under 12 and 65+ are free. FMI: (207) 998-4104.
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February 21 - Lake St. George State Park, Liberty
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join us for hot cocoa, a warming fire, a nature and wildlife display table, snow sculpture making and games, and gear loans from the Ski & Snowshoe Trailer. Ice fishing traps and bait will be available for kids to use to fish. A section of the lake will be shoveled for ice skaters. Please bring your own skates if you have them. A very limited supply will be available from the gear trailer. Gear loans are free with the Special event park admission: Ages 12 to 65 $1.50; under 12 and 65+ are free. NOTE - the gear trailer will also be available from February 12-20 and February 22 & 23 for equipment loans; regular park entry rates apply. FMI: (207) 589-4255. Subscribe to Lake St. George State Park Condition Alerts: text STGEO to 888-514-7527.
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February 28 - Mount Blue State Park, 299 Center Hill Road, Weld
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Ski & Snowshoe Trailer will be loaning cross-country ski and snowshoe gear for youth and adults, free with paid park Special Admission rate: Ages 12 to 65 $1.50; under 12 and 65+ are free. Set track will be provided. Ice skates will be on loan in the yurt next to the ice skating rink. Sliding and tote rides courtesy of the Weld Winter Wildcats on Center Hill. Includes a nature display in the yurt and a nature walk, an outdoor warming fire, a snowmobile exhibition featuring models from the 90s, and burgers and hot dogs will be for sale by the Weld Winter Wildcats. NOTE: The Ski and Snowshoe Trailer will be on-site on 3/1 too, and a nature program on 2/27 & 3/1. Regular Park admission applies on these dates. FMI: (207) 585-2261. Subscribe to Mt. Blue State Park Condition Alerts: text BLUE to 888-514-7527. View the Park's Guide & Map. View the Mt. Blue Cross-country and Snowshoe Trails map and brochure.
March 2026
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March 7 - Camden Hills State Park , Camden
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Maine State Park Ski & Snowshoe Trailer will be loaning cross-country ski and snowshoes for youth and adults, free with Special Event Park Admission: Ages 12 to 65 $1.50; under 12 and 65+ are free. Activities include a mammal tracking display, winter camping display, and a warming fire and hut. NOTE: the Ski & Snowshoe Trailer will also be at the park from 2/26 through 3/6 and 3/8 & 9. Regular Park Admission applies on these dates. FMI: (207) 236-0849. Subscribe to Camden State Park Condition Alerts: text CAMDEN to 888-514-7527. View the Park's Guide & Map.
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March 21 - Lily Bay State Park, Greenville
10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join in the winter fun! We will have a warming fire, hot cocoa and marshmallows, plus gear loans from the Maine State Parks Ski & Snowshoe trailer for on-site use - free with special event park admission: Ages 12 to 65 $1.50; under 12 and 65+ are free. FMI: (207) 695-2700.
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Gear up with Maine State Parks apparel and consider gifting it to your loved ones this February to show your love for the iconic parks for which Maine is renowned. Hoodies, t-shirts and caps in a variety of colors are available at our online store.
Your gift to Maine State Parks and Public Lands will directly support what you love about them, such as advancing recreational and educational opportunities, conservation, land acquisition, and land management purposes. You can choose to give directly to the park of your choice, give a general donation to “All Maine State Parks and Historic Sites” for the most needed projects at State Parks and Historic Sites, or choose the “Any Public Lands” button to go toward the greatest need at any Public Land. Donate now!
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Send article suggestions or newsletter comments to Jocelyn Hubbell, Interpretive Specialist, webmaster, and newsletter editor for the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
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