“Katahdin Woods and Waters is an exceptional example of the rich and storied Maine Woods, enhanced by its location in a larger protected landscape, and thus would be a valuable addition to the Nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage conserved and enjoyed in the National Park System”, Obama wrote in a proclamation establishing the monument.
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President Barack Obama designated tens of thousands of acres of ME forest as a national monument on Wednesday, one day before the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
Here are some quotes Wednesday about the president’s decision to create a new national monument, Katahdin Waters and Waters, east of Baxter State Park.
“The heart of the North Woods, about 3.5 million acres, remains the largest undeveloped territory east of the Rockies”. Additionally, the Maine Legislature passed a bipartisan resolution to officially oppose the idea as well.
Republican Gov. Paul LePage actively opposed the proposal, calling it an “ego play”, and characterized key supporters as “out-of-state liberals”. “But when we look to the future, we see huge amounts of success”, St. Clair told The Associated Press.
The new monument includes mountains, forests, and the East Branch of the Penobscot River and will serve as a protected area.
The new national monument, carved by wild rivers and mountain ridges, is home to a wide range of animals, including moose, bobcats, bald eagles, salmon and Canada lynx.
Although the monument status is supported numerous conservation organizations, independent U.S. Sen. Angus King, independent US Senator and former governor of ME, said that “the benefits of the designation will far outweigh any detriment” and a National Park site “will provide much-needed diversity to the region’s economy”. Angus King and Susan Collins or U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin. “This isn’t either-or, it’s both, and will provide much-needed diversity to the region’s economy”, King said. “This isn’t the only monument that has been criticized, and our governor isn’t the only governor who has criticized a monument”, says Lucas St. Clair, organizer of the pro-park campaign.
The dispute over the role of the federal government in land management has spread nationwide, and in ME many locals opposed the designation on principle.
More than half, or 32, of all 59 national parks either began as national monuments or have incorporated land given that designation. Rob BishopRob BishopObama creates new national monument in Maine GOP blasts EPA on mine spill anniversary Obama asks agencies to consider climate in environmental reviews MORE (R-Utah), chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a June statement following a field hearing that the GOP used to highlight local opposition.
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Proponents said a park would generate 400 to 1,000 jobs, be maintained by $40 million in private endowments, diversify a Katahdin region economy devastated by the closure of two paper mills, coexist with traditional industries and operate with local oversight.
