Baxter State Park - Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Inside the Park boundary there is no electricity, running water, or paved roads. In keeping with the "Forever Wild" philosophy expressed by the Park donor Percival Baxter, the Park prohibits the use of audio or visual devices in any way that impairs the enjoyment of the Park by others or that may disturb or harass wildlife. Winter hiking and camping regulations have been recently revised to provide more freedom for Park visitors, coupled with a clear understanding that Park visitors must take responsibility for their safety in the often unforgiving winter environment of the Park. The Park is open to overnight summer camping from May 15 to October 15 and winter camping from December 1 to March 31. Only northbound long distance Appalachian Trail hikers can stay in the Park without reservations; they are limited to one night's stay at The Birches camping area, which is limited to the first twelve hikers to sign in at an information kiosk several southbound trail miles away just inside the Park's southern boundary. In addition to hiking and camping, approximately 25% of the Park is open to hunting and trapping (with the exception of Moose hunting). Park ponds and streams are open to either fly fishing or general law fishing as determined by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Baxter State Park Authority. Snowmobiling is permitted on the Park Tote Road of 46 miles (74 km) connecting the Park's south gate at Togue Pond and the north gate at Matagamon. The Park also includes a Scientific Forest Management Area of 29,587 acres (120 km2) located in the northwest corner of the Park. Park donor Percival Baxter directed that this area be managed for exemplary forest management. The area has been under active management for over 20 years and conducts sustainable, Forest Stewardship Council-certified management.

Police protection within the Park is provided by the Park's Law Enforcement Ranger staff and local Maine IF&W Wardens. Fire protection provided by the Maine Forest Service; waste disposal and recycling is addressed through the Park's Carry-In, Carry-Out policy. Maintenance is done by the many volunteer workers and paid employees of the Park. The current Park Director is Jensen Bissell.