President Creates Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Environment America

On the eve of the 100th anniversary of our National Park Service, the government entity that maintains and protects more than 400 trails, recreation areas, parks, refuges and monuments across the nation, President Obama announced the creation of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Environment America’s Executive Director, Margie Alt put out the following statement:

“One of the things that makes this country great is that we have such gorgeous landscapes in every state in the country. Another is that we’ve had the foresight and commitment to protect these places so that future generations can experience the beauty of our natural heritage.   

“Today, the president gave us one more reason to celebrate the Centennial of our National Park Service. By creating the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, President Obama protected one of the last and largest undeveloped tracts of land in the eastern U.S. The monument protects Maine’s remote North Woods, east of Mount Katahdin, the state’s highest peak. With dense forest, roaming bears and moose, and streams and lakes throughout nearly 88,000 acres of donated land, a new Maine Woods and Waters Monument will provide plenty of opportunities for camping, hunting, fishing, boating and more — and help create hundreds of jobs to boot.

“By creating a new Maine monument the president has burnished his incredibly robust conservation legacy. I couldn’t be more pleased to know this gorgeous landscape just a few hours from where I live will be permanently protected for future generations.”

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Environment America is the national federation of statewide, citizen-funded advocacy groups, including Environment Arizona, working for a cleaner, greener, healthier future. www.EnvironmentAmerica.org