Alert: Help Save Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument (ME)

On May 5th, 2017, the Department of the Interior announced that it would be reviewing millions of acres of public land protected as National Monuments under a piece of legislation called the Antiquities Act. All National Monuments are at risk, but the Department of the Interior has specifically identified public lands in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Maine for review. One of these areas is the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument located in the North Maine Woods. The national monument was established by proclamation by President Obama in August 2016 following the donation and endowment of more than 87,000 acres adjacent to Mount Katahdin and includes a section of the East Branch of the Penobscot River.

 

Interior has a public comment period beginning May 12. Comments are being accepted for 45 days with a deadline on July 9th. During this time, it will be extremely important for people who love the Hanford Reach to speak up. 

 

Interior is particularly strict about only accepting unique comments. We have drafted some sample comment points below, but encourage you personalize your letter to reflect the importance you place on protecting this new national monument.

 

Here are a few important points to touch on in your comment, if you'd like guidance:

 

• If you have been to the Katahdin area or have been to the East Branch of the Penobscot River, Reference your own experience. 

 

• Reference the importance of outdoor recreation in protecting Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument by providing experiences that promote a culture of stewardship for this place. The are is a popular destination for boating, fishing, xc skiing, and snowmobiling.

 

•Mention that since the national monument proclamation last year, many of those who had concerns about the designation have come to appreciate the economic benefits of increased tourism to a region that has been hard hit by the decline in the paper industry.

 

•If you have personal perspective or participated in the NPS listening sessions of have provided input through a public process that led to the designation, please include in your comments.

 

• Urge Interior to protect the integrity of the Antiquities Act, which has been used by Presidents of both parties for over 100 years

 

Speak out and help us to Defend the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. CLICK HERE

 

Thank you for your help in protecting the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.