Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Photo: Shutterstock
On August 24, 2016, President Barack Obama designated 87,000 acres in northern Maine as a national monument.
The land for the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument was donated by Elliotsville Plantation, Inc., a nonprofit foundation run by philanthropist Roxanne Quimby. If you recognize the name, that’s because Quimby is one of the co-founders of personal care product brand Burt’s Bees.
Quimby has been buying land in northern Maine for many years, much to the chagrin of some area residents who are concerned that the land would not be available for recreational use now that it is a national monument. But visitors to the monument will be able to hike, canoe, hunt, snowmobile, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and more.
Not only that, but the designation of a national monument also enables the protection of native wildlife and the spectacular geology of the region.
In a White House fact sheet, President Obama said “The protected area—together with 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 donated land is valued at approximately $60 million. Quimby also donated $20 million to supplement federal funds for initial park operational needs and infrastructure development, and pledged another $20 million in future philanthropic support.
What does that mean for you, the traveler?
There’s never been a better time to see the natural beauty of northern Maine. The area is particularly beautiful in the autumn, when the maple trees glow a fire red and orange, complemented by the golden yellow of oak tree leaves. Against a background of evergreen forests, it’s absolutely incredible. Take a canoe trip up the Penobscot River or hike to the top of Katahdin for a view like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
What’s the difference between a national park and a national monument? Not much, in practice. However, a national park needs to be created by an act of Congress, while a national monument can be created by presidential order. The goal of both national parks and national monuments is to preserve land with natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations.