Mount Desert Island Search and Rescue

Meet Moose, one tiny dog who loves to take on big hikes in Acadia. Moose and I are passionate about hiking and passionate about hiking safety for pets and their people in Acadia. We know all too well how quickly a beautiful hike can be ruined by getting lost or injured. MDI and Acadia are so fortunate to have MDI Search and Rescue, a skilled and dedicated group of volunteers that are ready to assist Park Rangers when explorers find themselves in a challenging or dangerous position.

2021 has been a record breaking year for both Acadia and MDI Search and Rescue.  As of August 25th, MDISAR has received 41 requests for assistance, outpacing the previous record of 40 rescues in all of 2020.  There was a stretch in early August when there were 8 rescues in 9 days.  

Moose and I would like to thank MDISAR for being there, should we need them, by raising funds to help them maintain their equipment and defray costs associated with keeping the volunteers' wilderness first aid and technical rescue skills current.  All of their funding comes from donations and grants with no regular funding  through any government sources.  

Example costs:  

-Every other year advanced technical training:  $800/person.  This year MDISAR is hoping to send 12 members.  

- Communicating with Park personnel is very important and their radios need to be upgraded to be able to maintain clear communication.  They are currently in the process of purchasing 10 digital radios for $1400 each.  

- Due to the rocky nature of Acadia, many rescues require elaborate rope work to safely get people off mountains.  Increased use means increased wear and tear.  New rescue ropes cost roughly $230 each. 


Starting on September 9th, 2021, Moose and I will hike 26 peaks in 26 days in Acadia National Park. Please consider donating to our cause and encouraging us along the way. Whether you can donate $26 or $260, any amount will help us reach our goal of raising $5000.  

Visit the MDI Search and Rescue page on Facebook to learn more about what they do and to see some amazing pictures of recent technical rescues that they have been involved in.

You can follow Moose's journey and cheer us on through Facebook   and Instagram. 

Thank you so much for your support - see you on the trails!

Moose and Melissa