What started with an upset national park visitor turned into an arrest. Now the man charged in the case says he and his partner have been forced to shut down their small organic farm in coastal Maine as a result. The whole case stems from the national park card payment controversy—of interest to RVers, campers, and road travelers alike.
National park card payment controversy here broke out in 2023
Jason Langley, who co-owns Northern Bay Organics in Penobscot, Maine, with his partner Lena Kuhnt, was taken into custody in March. The charges stem from an October 2023 altercation with a park employee over how to pay for an entry fee. According to federal documents, Langley allegedly became upset when told he couldn’t pay with cash and instead had to use a card. He’s accused of throwing cash and his wallet at the park worker, then pounding on the booth door.
Langley was later charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct. His original charges were for “fighting, violent or threatening behavior” and for not paying the park fee. But “refused” Langley refused to pay the $200 fine. He said that would be an admission of guilt. The case blew up from there. A federal assault charge was filed under a sealed warrant, and heavily armed officers showed up at his home to serve the arrest warrant.
Langley wasn’t home at the time, but a week later, sheriff’s deputies arrested him. He was released without bail on a personal recognizance bond.
“Forced to leave town and shut down the farm”
The couple says the government’s response has been extreme and traumatizing. In a newsletter sent to supporters, they said the arrest and legal fight have forced them to leave town and shut down the farm for the season. They’re asking volunteers to help harvest crops that would otherwise go to waste.
For RVers and travelers who frequent national parks, the case raises concerns about how small conflicts over access and payment can escalate into serious legal trouble—especially in parks where digital-only transactions are becoming more common.
Langley and Kuhnt say he wasn’t violent or threatening during the incident and believe his reaction was affected by his autism. They also say the court hasn’t made proper accommodations for his condition. Two court-appointed attorneys have already stepped down from the case because of conflicts with him.
The couple started Northern Bay Organics in 2020. By 2024, they had shifted to a “pay-what-you-can” model, donated more than 7,000 pounds of food, and had begun applying for nonprofit status. The farm became known for its community focus and inclusive approach to fresh food access.
Now, the beds of produce sit mostly untended while the future of the farm—and Langley’s legal outcome—remain uncertain. The card payment controversy in national parks continues as both the courts, and the public, argue the matter out.
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RVT1219b
I don’t see why anyone would get upset with the fact they have to pay with a credit card.
Since this person is a business owner, does he refuse to take a CC for purchases at his farm?
Does he pay cash for all his purchases?
Plus, how does this affect in any way closing the farm?
Our Healthcare Provider just informed us they will no longer accept cash or checks for services rendered.
A lot of other businesses are following suit.
They are trying to make this a cashless society!!! Can’t you see that???
When was the last time you ordered online and paid with cash?
The policy speeds up the process at the gate and protects the agent. No cash, no chance of robbery or the agent pocketing the cash.
What about all the toll roads going cashless? You either have to use a pass or be billed by mail (and then paying with a credit card).
This has no nearly implication for RV’ers who are polite and can follow rules. When you act like a jerk, especially at a National Park, you are asking for big trouble. If this guy has autism, then let his partner handle the interface with the ranger. This guy asked for trouble and got it.
Based on what is in the article, I tend to agree with you.
“Langley allegedly became upset when told he couldn’t pay with cash and instead had to use a card. He’s accused of throwing cash and his wallet at the park worker, then pounding on the booth door….Langley and Kuhnt say he wasn’t violent or threatening during the incident…” Well sounds violent AND threatening to me.
Also tellingly, “Two court-appointed attorneys have already stepped down”.
“In a newsletter sent to supporters, they said the arrest and legal fight have forced them to leave town and shut down the farm for the season.” Why?? He was out on bail.
He should have kept quiet and paid the fine, although the U.S. Government refusing to accept the cash it printed as the only form of U.S. legal tender does seem questionable
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Payment by card only does violate the federal requirement that cash be accepted. Even more interesting is that it is an aspect of the same federal govenment refusing to accept cash. I’ll pop a fresh bag of popcorn, open a fresh bottle of Mountain Dew, and get comfortable to avoid missing one minute of this potentiall riveting soap opera. 😉 Have a great day and safe travels!
So, someone doesn’t get his way, behaves badly, and then suffers consequences for his bad actions. Oh, the horror of it all. BTW, what does this have to do with RVing?
I myself prefer to pay in cash. The only ones making out with credit card transactions is the millionaire and billionaire credit card executives. Businesses have to pay for the right to accept credit cards. Then some businesses charge users 3% additional to their bill. Poor people can’t either afford credit cards because of the high interest and poor credit. Visa and Mastercard gift cards cost around $7.50. Pa Senator Fetterman has a bill to make all businesses accept cash for purchases under $500.
“This bill is legal tender for all debts, public or private.”
Fortunately, when visiting a National Park or Monument that charges an entry fee (not all charge) I purchased a Golden Eagle Park pass from my son, a National Park ranger, when I turned 65 in 1998.
His partner, Lena, has an interesting last name. Must have been fun in grade school. 🙃