• Wilkins, Emily
  University of Maine, School of Forest Resources
  
• Morgan, Andrew
  University of Maine, School of Forest Resources
  
• De Urioste-Stone, Dr. Sandra
  University of Maine, School of Forest Resources
  

Researchers surveyed visitors in Acadia National Park from May to November 2015 in order to gain insight into the impact of weather on their trips, as well as tourists across the state of Maine. Visitors were asked a few questions in-person, and were given a link to complete an online questionnaire after they returned home. A total of 535 people/groups were surveyed within Acadia National Park, and there were 432 responses to the online survey of people surveyed throughout the state who visited MDI. Results show that the majority of visitors planned their trip 1-6 months in advance (58.9%), and only 12.1% planned their trip within a week. Tourists spent an average of $90.58 per person per night on MDI. Over 49% stated the expected weather was important in their destination selection for their current trip, and 60.3% stated the actual weather was important on their trip. In addition, 30.2% indicated the weather altered their travel or recreational plans. Additionally, 63.5% of visitors to MDI believe that climate change is happening, 57.5% are concerned about climate change, and 26.6% are interested in learning more about the impacts of climate change in Maine. Therefore, many visitors may be receptive to climate change information or additional studies within the park.