As the ongoing federal shutdown approaches a full week, concerns are growing about its economic impact on Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island.

Access to the park has not been barred as in past shutdowns, and though there continues to be a heavy flow of leaf-peeping tourists in Acadia, entrance fees are not being collected and there has been confusion over what facilities or attractions in the park remain open.

Last October, Acadia collected about $1.5 million in fees that it stands to miss out on this month if the shutdown continues for the next few weeks, according to Friends of Acadia, a nonprofit group that advocates for and provides support programs to the park.

But how long the shutdown might last — and how much income the park will lose — is not the only question that has

See Full Page