Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters Thanks Senators King & Collins for Introduction of Access Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 10, 2022

Contact:
Sam Deeran, Acting Executive Director
Email: sam@friendsofkww.org

Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters Thanks Senators King & Collins
for Introduction of Access Act

Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, an official philanthropic park partner to the national monument, is grateful for the introduction of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act – an access bill that was recently introduced by co-sponsors Senator Collins and Senator King of Maine. Senator King’s press release is linked here

“We thank Senator Collins and Senator King for their leadership,” said Sam Deeran, Acting Executive Director for the Friends group. “They have worked together to create bipartisan legislation that is good for the national monument, the surrounding communities, and the visiting public. We look forward to opportunities to improve access from the Millinocket area.” 

The bill allows the National Park Services to acquire land from a willing, interested seller – and only a willing, interested seller – to increase access to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, with a focus on access from the south including the communities of Millinocket and East Millinocket. In addition, the National Park Service would be granted authority to purchase or lease facilities for a park headquarters, staff offices, and visitor services outside the boundary of the monument.

“Access from the south would be a critical addition to the monument that will help to improve the visitor experience and increase the positive economic impact in the region, particularly for Millinocket and East Millinocket. Our Senators have stepped up to support Katahdin Woods and Waters and the communities by delivering increased appropriations and through the introduction of this bill,” continued Deeran. “We will continue to match their work by investing in park infrastructure, providing opportunities for local youth, and supporting visitors.”

Last year, Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters opened the new Lunksoos Campsites – doubling tent sites accessible by car. The Katahdin Learning Project has led youth programs resulting in over 8,000 student experiences. Last month, Maine Audubon and the Friends group released the new birding hotspot map for the national monument. 

Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters will be hosting the 6th Anniversary Celebration of the national monument on Aug 27, 2022 at New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket. More information is available at www.friendsofkww.org/anniversary