On June 21, 2018 the Baxter
State Park Authority announced
the appointment of its new Park
Director, Eben Sypitkowski.
Eben is a graduate of Bangor
High School, Bates College, and
has earned a Master of Forestry
Degree from the University of
Maine. He previously served
as Baxter State Park’s Resource
Manager, responsible for supervising the Scientific Forest
Management Area. He brings a proven commitment to
Governor Percival Baxter’s vision, and a passion for upholding
the Baxter Trusts that will serve the Park well under his tenure.
Eben’s understanding of the workings of the Park is exceptional
and his knowledge base will be of great advantage as he works
with BSP staff to bring the Park to a heightened level of
excellence.
Eben, his wife Lucy, and their daughter are proud to reside in
Millinocket and are very involved in the community.
4
In 1955, Governor Baxter deeded a little more than a township to the
people of the State of Maine as “a show-place for those interested in forestry,
a place where a continuing timber crop can be cultivated, harvested, and
sold, where reforestation and scientific cutting will be employed, an example
and an inspiration to others.” In service of his wishes, we are to manage
the timber crop on these 30,000 acres of Acadian Forest in perpetuity.
To Hikers: part of the Park where one can walk for miles over gently
rolling terrain seeing only wildlife and trees along the Freezeout,
Wadleigh Mt, or Hudson Pond trails taking breaks to rest or camp in
the Hudson Pond or Frost Pond lean-tos. (reservations required)
To Hunters: a place where large spruce trees provide sheltered deer
wintering areas and grouse abound.
To Park Managers: 30,000 acres where we develop and hone techniques
of managing multiple uses on the same ground, as well as provide
revenue and produce necessities for the Park like firewood, bog
bridging, and lean-to stock.
To the Forestry Community of Maine: a model forest and a place to
learn from and discuss decades of thoughtful, forward-thinking forest
management.
Eben Sypitkowski Appointed
New Park Director
What is the Baxter State Park
Scientific Forest Management Area?
Happy Trails, Jensen!
Accessible Facilities
in Baxter State Park
Jensen Bissell stepped down at the beginning of 2018 after 12 years as Park Director and 30 years
of service to the Park. Jensen was hired as the Park’s first Resource Manager in 1986. He spent
nearly 20 years in that position, managing the Park’s 30,000 acre Scientific Forest Management
Area. In that time he worked tirelessly to realize Governor Baxter’s dream for that parcel; to serve
as a model for exemplary forest management. He was successful in that goal and he brought that
same dedication and drive to the Park Director’s post which he was promoted to in 2005.
With 20 full-time employees, 40+ seasonal employees, and over 70,000 visitors each year, the
Director’s position is one of great responsibility. Jensen was successful as a result of his confidence
in his staff and a deep respect for the Deeds of Trust that form Baxter State Park’s mission. His
vision and thoughtful leadership will certainly be missed by Park Staff and the advisory groups
that help us manage the Park.
The Park is primarily a hiking destination but
roadside facilities are available throughout the
Park to meet the needs of visitors requiring
accessible facilities. The following is a chart
to guide you in planning your visit. Please
call us at (207) 723-5140 if you have further
questions.