U.S. Secretary of the Interior to Visit Maine’s New National Monument

Despite this lack of support, the Quimby family used high-paid lobbyists in Washington, D.C., to go around the people of ME and have President Obama use his authority to designate this area a national monument. “It’s sad that rich, out-of-state liberals can team up with President Obama to force a national monument on rural Mainers who do not want it”, said Governor LePage (R). Quimby initially sought the designation of the land as a national park.

Our family would like to thank President Obama and the members of his administration for their hard work to safeguard America’s natural treasures and for their efforts to prepare the National Park Service for its next 100 years of success. Their gift of land is accompanied by an endowment of $20 million to supplement federal funds for initial park operational needs and infrastructure development at the new monument, and a pledge of another $20 million in future philanthropic support. Secretary Jewell will also participate in a dedication ceremony for the new monument.

The evidence from around the country is clear: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument will bring new energy and new people to the region as folks recognize the awesome quality of life that’s available.

Roxanne Quimby, a founder of Burt’s Bees, had been buying property in northeastern ME for years and accelerated her purchases after selling the company in 2007. Forestry operations will retain the right to cross the preserved land to log remote woodlots.

This week Secretary Jewell has been visiting national parks around the country to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

“This monument designation gives rise to a host of questions ranging from simple logistical matters to fundamental questions such as what will the impact be on taxpayers and whether the National Park Service, with its almost $12 billion maintenance backlog, can afford to manage this new federal acquisition”. Snowmobiling, a popular local pastime, will also be allowed on all existing trails at the site.

In addition to protecting spectacular geology, significant biodiversity and recreational opportunities, the new monument will help support climate resiliency in the region.

“The protected area – together with the neighboring Baxter State Park to the west – will ensure that this large landscape remains intact, bolstering the forest’s resilience against the impacts of climate change”, the White House statement added. Advocates say the monuments can actually generate economic activity and jobs, through tourism and recreation. The land is cherished by Native Americans, and its history includes visits by naturalist Henry David Thoreau and President Theodore Roosevelt. Among other things, Marts led the forest management planning and helped established community engagement programs at the historical park. Details of the listening sessions, including dates and locations, will be shared with local newspapers and posted to the monument’s website (www.nps.gov/kaww). We jointly raised concerns about the idea and urged the President to listen to local voices.