Alfond hails historic creation of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

A visitor camps along the East Branch of the Penobscot River, part of the newly created Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Photo by Jon Luoma.

AUGUSTA — Senate Democratic Leader Justin Alfond on Wednesday lauded the creation of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, announced by President Barack Obama in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

“This is a historic day for our state, and for our country,” said Sen. Alfond, of Portland. “Mainers have long known that the North Maine woods and the Katahdin region are a national treasure. Today, President Obama ensured that the crown jewel of Maine will be preserved for generations to come.”

The view from Deasey Mountain in the newly created Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Photo by Bill Duffy.

The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument includes 87,500 acres east of Baxter State Park, and contains the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Permitted activities will include hiking, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and more. It will also be the only national monument to allow hunting, thanks to a provision in the deed that put the land into conservation.

“I’d like to thank the Quimby family for listening to Mainers and ensuring traditional recreational activities will be honored,” Alfond said. “I’d also like to congratulate them for their dedication to conservation and public access. Their story begins with the founding of one of Maine’s most successful companies, and now continues with a legacy of conservation and philanthropy to rival any other.”

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