CAPE ELIZABETH – As the result of a public outcry and intervention by Gov. John Baldacci, the Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands has dropped its plan to impose mandatory fees at Kettle Cove Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth and at Mackworth Island in Falmouth, according to a statement from the bureau.

Instead, the state will set up metal receptacles called “iron rangers” and ask visitors to those parks to pay a voluntary fee, as visitors to other state parks are requested to do during the off season. Fees at both Kettle Cove and Mackworth for Maine residents will be $2 for adults; $1 for children ages 5 to 11; and free for children under 5. Non-resident adults will pay $3.

Will Harris, director of the Bureau of Parks & Lands, said earlier this week that the bureau planned to start imposing mandatory fees in May at the parks, which currently are free to the public, in hopes of raising about $120,000 per year to deal with a budget shortfall. The state had planned to set up a manned collection booth at Kettle Cove. There already is such a booth at Mackworth for security reasons.

Harris could not be reached for comment early Wednesday afternoon, but the statement the bureau released said the change from imposing a mandatory fee to asking for a voluntary payment came at the request of Baldacci, according to the statement.

The statement said Baldacci became aware of public concern over the pending change in fee collections and asked the bureau to revise its proposed fee system. Mackworth Island and Kettle Cove attract daily visitors from the Portland area who value the two park areas for recreational and relaxation purposes, the statement said.

Baldacci was quoted as saying: “I am concerned at a time when we want to encourage Maine people to enjoy the outdoors and be as physically active as possible that these fees may inhibit such activity. Maine people clearly support these valuable places, and we want them to continue to use these park areas as much as they have in the past.”

The bureau is part of the Maine Department of Conservation. The statement quoted Eliza Townsend, who is commissioner of that department, as saying: “It’s very gratifying to know how much local people love and appreciate these park areas. We want to support their continued use of Mackworth and Kettle Cove, and at the governor’s request, will make modifications to our fee proposal.”

Fees still will be required at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site in New Harbor, as they have always been, the statement said.

Harris previously had said new fees would be imposed at that site, but the statement said that at Colonial Pemaquid, fees still will continue to be collected for visitors going to the museum, the Fort House and the Fort William Henry area. However, no fees are required for visiting the boat ramp or the restaurant, or for visitors with family members interred at the privately-owned cemetery on the grounds.

For more information, go to: www.parksandlands.com.