Loon Plate Weekend at Maine State Parks

All Maine State Parks and historic sites will offer free admission to vehicles bearing Maine Loon License Plates the weekend of July 13 and 14.

Loon License Plate Weekend is a way of saying thanks to residents that purchased Maine loon plates. Since the program's inception by the Maine Legislature in 1993, more than $17.5 million in loon plate proceeds have gone to support conservation and wildlife efforts.

"I encourage Maine families to explore and enjoy our wide variety of State Parks and historic sites this summer and throughout the year. There is a lot to see, and all visits are affordable every day, especially if you have a Loon License Plate the weekend of July 13 And 14," said Governor Paul R. LePage.

Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb highlighted the financial contribution that Loon License Plates and other specialty plates make toward worthy causes. "This is a way to say ‘thank you' for supporting conservation and wildlife efforts in Maine. The weekend of July 13 and 14, a Loon License Plate provides free admission to 48 state parks and historic sites," said Whitcomb.

DACF Division of Parks and Lands Director Will Harris encouraged Maine residents and visitors alike to explore the many offerings provided by Maine State Parks. "Each of our state parks and historic sites have programs suited for all ages and cover a wide range of outdoor interests. We hope everybody comes out and has fun," said Harris. The details of Loon Plate Weekend are:

Loon Plate Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, July 13 & 14; all vehicles bearing Maine Loon license plates will be allowed free entrance to Maine state parks and historic sites. No rain date will be available. The open admission does not apply to Baxter State Park or the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect, though admission to Fort Knox State Historic Site will be free that weekend.

For more information about Loon license plates, go to: http:// www.maine.gov/doc/parks/volunteer/loonplates.html

For more information about Maine state parks and historic sites, go to: http://www.parksandlands.com