Free park passes for Maine vets

  AUGUSTA – Maine residents who are veterans and were honorably discharged or received a general discharge under honorable conditions are reminded this Veterans Day 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 Commissioner Walter Whitcomb of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, which oversees Maine state parks and historic sites. “We are very 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 in conjunction with appropriate identification. All park and historic site rules must be followed.

  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 park pass can find the application form on line. 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

This pass is not valid for the following locations:

Acadia National Park

Baxter State Park

Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Penobscot River Corridor

Penobscot Narrows Observatory

Maine Wildlife Park

  For more information about the free, life-time day-use pass for Maine veterans, contact Maine Veterans Services by calling 626-4464 or email mainebvs@maine.gov.