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Most Maine State Parks Free for Residents on Fathers' Day

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Fort Popham, one of a number of Maine parks and historic sites that are open to residents free of charge on Sunday.

AUGUSTA, Maine -  The majority of Maine State Parks and historic sites will offer free admission for Maine residents on Sunday. Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Spokesman, John Bott, says the free parks day, which traditionally falls on Fathers' Day each June,  is a way to recognize that Maine tax payers make the 48 park system possible.
"It's just a way of saying 'thanks' and also to encourage some people who have not experienced a Maine State Park to go and visit, because there are a lot of memories to be made, a lot of activities you can engage in." says Bott.

Vehicles with Maine license plates will be admitted free; others can show other proof of residency.

Some of Maine's most popular recreational areas are not part of the free day however. They include Acadia National Park, Maine Wildlife Park, and Baxter State Park which are all managed by diffrerent entities. Also, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway,  Peacock Beach, Scarborough Beach State Park, Swan Island, and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory will charge normal admission- though admission to adjacent Fort Knox State Historic Site will be free. 

Most sites open at 9:00 a.m. A list of participating parks can be found on the Maine Parks and Lands website.