National Park Service Heads to Maine Woods to Hear Views on National Park Site Proposal

Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association

“National park sites do so many things. They protect and preserve important ecological sites, they tell the stories of America, they provide jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefits to their neighboring communities and they provide recreation and enjoyment to so many people. The Katahdin region of northern Maine, where there is a proposed national park site, would do all of this.

“The Maine Woods area provides unrivaled wildlife habitat, rich history of the Penobscot tribe and incredible recreational opportunities, from snow shoeing to snowmobiling. There is a reason this area provided so much inspiration to such notables as Henry David Thoreau and President Theodore Roosevelt. When you have a place as special as this one, it is so clearly deserving of inclusion in the National Park System. We hope this national park proposal finally becomes a reality.”

Background:

A proposal is being considered by the Obama Administration to establish The Maine Woods National Monument, a national park site in the Katahdin region of northern Maine. The site would protect and conserve 87,500 acres of land, support scientific research and provide recreational opportunities for its visitors.

Elliotsville Plantation Inc., a private foundation, is proposing donating the land along the east branch of the Penobscot River in Maine to the American people for the creation of this national park site. The gift would also include a $40 million private endowment to support the national park site. National Parks Conservation Association has been working with Elliotsville Plantation Inc. on this effort.

U.S. Senator Angus King will host a public meeting with National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis on Monday, May 16 in Orono, Maine to discuss the national monument proposal. Learn more.

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About National Parks Conservation Association

Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historic, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.