Baxter State Park Director Jensen Bissell is retiring at the end of this year after 30 years working for park administration and 12 years as park director.
“I always felt that having the job was a real privilege and I needed to be careful I move on at the right time, and I think it’s the right time for me and the park,” Bissell said.
Bissell’s last day will be Dec. 29, the Friday after Christmas. He says that will give the Baxter State Park Authority about four quiet months, when park visitation is at a minimum, to conduct their search for the next director, who will oversee the day-to-day operations of one of Maine’s most beloved wild spaces and hiking destinations.
Bissell announced his plans to retire to park staff at the bi-annual staff meeting in mid-October.
“I don’t have any specific next plans other than a million things to do with my life and family that I haven’t had the time to do while I work,” Bissell said.
Baxter State Park was pieced together, parcel by parcel, by former Maine Gov. Percival Baxter between 1931 and 1962, and gifted to the State of Maine with the condition that it be kept forever wild.
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