Discussion Questions and Readings http://capita.wustl.edu/CAPITA/CapitaReports/010501POPs/FinalReportTransportVisual.

htm#_msocom _3 This study examines the transport patterns of particles in the atmosphere from the point of view of a number of cities across North America. The last city, Burlington, VT, is close enough to Acadia to be considered of similar wind patterns. This article gets a bit technical in the methodologies section, but is essential reading.

THE EFFECT OF FIRE ON MERCURY CYCLING IN THE SOILS OF FORESTED WATERSHEDS: ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE, U.S.A.
Amirbahman, Aria; Ruck, Philip L.; Fernandez, Ivan J.; Haines, Terry A.; Kahl, Jeffery S.. Water, Air & Soil Pollution, Feb2004, Vol. 152 Issue 1-4, p313-331, 19p

In 1947 a forest fire burned parts of Acadia National Park; this study examines the difference between mercury levels in the burned sections and the unscathed sections.

Mercury Contamination of Biota from Acadia National Park, Maine: A Review.

Bank, Michael; Burgess, John; Evers, David; Loftin, Cynthia. Environmental Monitoring & Assessment, Mar2007, Vol. 126 Issue 1-3, p105-115, 11p, 2 Diagrams, 8 Charts, 1 Graph; DOI: 10.1007/s10661-006-9324-4

So many studies about mercury poisoning in specific groups in Acadia have been undertaken that this study merely exists to put it all together under one thesis: all life forms in Acadia are threatened.

MERCURY BIOACCUMULATION IN GREEN FROG (RANA CLAMITANS) AND BULLFROG (RANA CATESBEIANA) TADPOLES FROM ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE, USA.
Bank, Michael S.; Crocker, Jeff; Connery, Bruce; Amirbahman, Aria. Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry, Jan2007, Vol. 26 Issue 1, p118-125, 8p

This article is an example of one of the many case studies surrounding mercury levels in Acadia. Specifically, this article looks to mercury levels in tadpoles. http://www.nps.gov/acad/parkmgmt/firemanagement.htm Please click each of the sections to the left to read about Acadias forest fire history and policies.

Discussion Questions: What are some of the problems that arise when attempting to point the finger at coal country for Acadias mercury? Think evidence, and policies. Can you think of anything new for Smokey the Bear to tell kids? After reading through the Acadian fire management page, can you think of any changes to their policies? One quote in particular stands out: Since 1947 there have been no major fires in the park. Almost every year since then, the park has experienced at least one fire, mostly human caused. The policy at Acadia National Park is to make every effort to suppress all wildfires, regardless of origin, though aggressive initial attack actions. The park uses all available resources to limit damage to property at risk, minimize the burned area, prevent the escape of wildfires, and prevent the spread of wildfires across park boundaries. With so much mercury coming into the park, is it even possible to begin to reduce the amounts? What would your first course of action be?