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PHOTOS: Campers at this illegal campsite on Tumbledown Mountain used nearby live trees as firewood (Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands photo)
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands has closed dispersed camping areas on Tumbledown Mountain, in Weld, after campers have left behind discarded equipment, fire damage, have cut down trees, trampled vegetation and left behind human and dog feces.
Maine is seeing increasing numbers of campers damaging and leaving litter behind in sites around the state. The MDACF reminds campers at any Maine campsite to buy local firewood, and most importantly, to set up their camp and build campfires in designated areas.
Maine’s iconic Tumbledown Mountain, well known for its accessibility to many hiking skill levels, western mountain views and alpine pond located just below the summit, is one location that has been impacted by misuse. Park rangers and Maine Forest Service rangers will be on patrol and on the lookout for illegal camping and illegal fire activity on the mountain.
“While the recent increase in outdoor recreation is good for everyone, ongoing disregard for Tumbledown Mountain’s rules is damaging fragile habitat and creating an unwelcoming environment for visitors,” said BPL Deputy Director Bill Patterson. “Our role is to care for Maine’s treasured outdoor spaces so that the thousands of hikers who love and respect the mountain will find a more enjoyable environment today and for generations to come.”
HIKERS CAN HELP
Be familiar with the seven Leave No Trace principles:
Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.
Educate others, especially children, about protecting the outdoors. Report camping, campfires, or other illegal use of the mountain by contacting BPL’s Western Public Lands Office, 129 Main Street in Farmington, at 207-778-8231.
NEARBY CAMPING ALTERNATIVES
Tumbledown Mountain is located near Mount Blue State Park and Rangeley Lakes State Park. People interested in camping are encouraged by MDACF to make advanced reservations online campwithme.com or call 800-332-1501 from within Maine or 207-624-9950 from outside of Maine.
Hikers can find additional camping options on the Maine Campground Owners Association website.
