Lawsuit Filed Over Removal of Climate Change Signs at Acadia National Park

Feb 23, 2026, 2:52 AM

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A coalition of conservation groups has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the removal of climate change signage at Acadia National Park in Maine. This legal action is part of a broader effort to stop the erasure of historical and science-based materials from national parks across the United States.

The lawsuit highlights the removal of signs that inform visitors about the impacts of climate change and the heritage of the Wabanaki people. Kristin Brengel, senior vice president of government affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association, emphasized that visitors are eager to learn about local history and environmental changes, rather than just receiving simplified narratives.

The controversy stems from an executive order signed by President Trump, which mandates the removal of park materials deemed "disparaging" to American greatness. Brengel argues that this directive contradicts long-standing National Park Service laws, which require educational materials to be peer-reviewed and meet high scientific standards. She expressed concern that this move is not aligned with the interests of the public, stating, "No one is clamoring for this and no one is asking for it.".

In addition to the Acadia National Park signage, the lawsuit also addresses the removal of a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia, underscoring a pattern of eliminating educational resources that reflect uncomfortable truths about American history. Brengel noted that the data collected through QR codes from visitors indicated strong support for factual interpretations of both science and history, despite the administration's actions.

The removal of these educational materials has sparked significant public dissent. Polls indicate that a bipartisan majority of Americans disapprove of the administration's approach to historical interpretation in national parks.

Brengel further argued that the public deserves access to accurate information about the natural and cultural heritage of national parks. "We really just want to make sure the facts are the facts, the science is the science, and that people get a true picture of the places that we've protected," she said. This sentiment is echoed by many who value the educational aspect of visiting national parks, which saw over 330 million visits in 2024 alone.

The lawsuit represents a critical moment in the ongoing debate over how historical narratives are presented in national parks. As the administration continues to face scrutiny over its policies, advocates for environmental and historical education hope this legal challenge will reverse the trend of removing significant educational materials from public view.

As this case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the courts will respond to the arguments raised by conservation groups and whether they will impact the future of educational resources in national parks across the United States.

The outcome of the lawsuit may have broader implications for how climate change and historical narratives are communicated in the nation's public spaces, potentially shaping the educational landscape for future generations.

In summary, the fight to preserve climate change signage at Acadia National Park reflects a larger struggle for accurate representation of history and science in America’s national parks, emphasizing the need for ongoing public discourse about environmental issues and historical truths.

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