LEWISTON, Maine - A foundation created by philanthropist and entrepreneur Roxanne Quimby has donated nearly 100 acres to Acadia National Park.
The park is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. Next week the National Park Service itself will also turn 100.
Quimby's son, Lucas St. Clair, is president of Elliotsville Plantation Inc., which put together the gift. He says it includes 13 separate parcels contained inside or adjacent to the park's boundaries.
"Specifically holding them for this time, the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, to show that the National Park Service and the National Park System is an evolving entity in the United States that we felt like we could add to," St. Clair says.
Elliotsville Plantation Inc. has also proposed donating nearly 100,000 acres east of Baxter State Park to the federal government for designation as a national monument.
Whether or not such a gift is accepted is a decision left to the U.S. president. St. Clair says he's hopeful that President Obama will agree before the end of his term.
