FREEPORT

L.L.Bean’s new president and CEO Steve Smith and Acadia National Park’s Superintendent Kevin Schneider will publicly announce on July 5 a pledge of $1 million to Friends of Acadia for the Island Explorer Bus System.

Smith will make the announcement from Acadia National Park next week with Acadia’s Superintendent Kevin Schneider as the park enters it’s centennial year.

The propane-powered, low-emissions shuttles that run throughout the park and surrounding communities carried over half a million riders last summer and have become a vital part in alleviating automobile traffic during peak visitation times at the park.

Since 2002, L.L. Bean has now donated more than $4 million toward the Island Explorer.

Janet Wyper, Manager of Community Relations for L.L.Bean said the company has been a long time supporter of conservation, calling their partnership with Explorer a “natural fit.”

“We are pleased to continue our support of the Island Explorer bus system. L.L.Bean has deep roots in Maine and a long history of supporting conservation projects,” Wyper said.

David MacDonald, President of Friends of Acadia said the Island Explorer has grown into the “most significant innovation” in people’s experience at Acadia in the last 20 years.

“We could not have done it without a committed partner like L.L.Bean,” MacDonald said.

Since 1999, the fare-free bus system has carried over 6 million passengers, reduced private vehicle trips by nearly 2.3 million, eliminated over 32 tons of smog-causing pollutants, and reduced more than 21,000 tons of greenhouse gases.

As a result of L.L. Beans’ contribution, the Island Explorer has been able to extend bus service through Columbus Day each year, with Bicycle Express service was added in 2005.

Four vans and two bicycle trailers have carried more than 164,000 cyclists from the Bar Harbor Village Green to the carriage roads at Eagle Lake since the beginning of the Bicycle Express.

Schneider said, “The Island Explorer makes a huge difference in how people experience Acadia. It dramatically improves visitors’ enjoyment of the park by providing convenient access to trailheads and prime destinations, and by reducing traffic and auto emissions.”