You are here

Politics Raise A Potential Roadblock to Creation Of A "Maine Woods National Park and Preserve"

Share

Politics are being played that could impede efforts to create a Maine North Woods National Park.

In a move that astounded proponents of a "Maine Woods National Park and Preserve," the Maine Legislature has passed a resolution opposing a feasibility study into the creation of such a park.

On June 15, Maine Senate President Kevin Raye introduced a resolution, SP 519, which opposes even a feasibility study to evaluate the benefits and costs of creating a national park in the Maine Woods. The Senate voted the same day 31 to 3 to pass this resolution.

There was no meaningful notice, no public hearing, no opportunity to present any information in response to this sneak attack. The Maine House of Representatives went along without a roll call vote.

It’s not too late!

The resolution is expected to come up for another vote in each house very soon. If you live in Maine, please call now and urge your elected representatives to oppose this undemocratic action.

You can leave a message at:

Maine Senate switchboard: 800-423-6900

Maine House of Representatives switchboard: 800-423-2900

  
Partly in reaction to that move, the park's proponents launched a new website to promote such an addition to the National Park System. On that site you can find details on the 3.2 million acre site proposed for Maine's Moosehead-Katahdin region.

There's a map that shows where the park would be located, a fact sheet that lists the resource and economic benefits of such a park and which touches on potential funding mechanisms that could bring it to life, and details on recreational possibilities and wildlife resources.

There's also a 23-page Maine Woods brochure that provides further details on the proposal that you can download in PDF form, and a petition you can sign in support of the potential park.

Comments

Well, Reality Experimentor,

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. Thanks, as well for the discussion.

Michael


Michael Kellett, Maybe a beer summit sometime, my favorite :).Take care


OK Reality, sounds good.
Best,Michael


Could this be something to be concerned about ?BROKE: MN GOV'T SHUTS DOWN


Hi Get it Right,

Of course, this is a state budget issue, not a federal one. But just like at the federal level, Minnesota Republicans are trying to keep tax breaks for the richest elite at the expense of everyone else. They're even willing to shut the government down.

I think people are beginning to see through this cynical strategy. When Newt Gingrich shut the federal government down in the 1990s it backfired on the Republicans. I think that is going to happen again.

The relationship to national parks is that one of the things suffering as a result of this Republican strategy is funding for the National Park Service and other public land agencies. If we can get things back on a reasonable track, it will help our parks as well as other programs that benefit the public.


Michael Kellett,Back to the class warfare with the cliche's:).  Make those people with yachts, jets and fabulous lawns pay more!  It's just not fair!  Explain to me what happens to the millions of employees that have jobs building all of those trappings of the rich.  Are we back to Cuba, lol?  [size= 25.2px]Just look around the country whether it's a state or federal issue.  The WORST of all of the states in this CRITICAL financial crisis are controlled by Liberals.  New York and California are at the top of the list.  Those same foundational (and culturally) disastrous practices are present on the Federal level.  Mean wealthy conservative people are somehow much more, I mean MUCH more, charitable than Liberals.  I guess Liberals believe they don't have to and that government should do it for them.  You can argue the exceptions as is typical debate techniques but I like reality even with the inconvenience:).  CRYSTAL CLEAR REALITY with the hardships and victories that come with it.  [/size]This comment made without benefit of beer (hardship:). 


Reality Experimenter,
There is of course an ideology encoded in terms like "fair" or "class warfare."  Depending on the rules of the game--i.e. what you imagine the role of government to be in a liberal democracy--"fair" and "class warfare" are terms that can be used by liberals or conservatives.

As for "liberal" states being in much worse shape, it's strange that those states keep sending back Democrats to the state and fed governments.  Why would that be the case?  If you believe about 20 polls taken since the beginning of the year, Americans "strongly support higher taxes to reduce the deficit and improve income inequality": http://www.capitalgainsandgames.com/blog/bruce-bartlett/2292/americans-support-higher-taxes-really
So, again, let's understand what we mean by terms like "fair" and "class warfare."


Justinh,What your talking about when you speak of "percentage of Americans" are the ones that don't have any "skin" in the game.  The roughly 50% that pay no taxes to begin with.  No disrespect intended.  You've seen the images of the parking lot full of busses during Katrina and the people waiting for government to save them (imagery but true)?  Again no disrespect intended but I know human nature and how things can get out of whack when, deficient in character and selfish, politicians play to the dark side of temptation (and human nature).   Those Liberal states we are referring to WILL pay the consequences (and should) learning something very important and life giving. It's a Western phrase but I think it applies. "Take your ....... like a man and learn from it.  We'll ALL be in sync if we'd just do that:).  Good for the country and for the parks that we all enjoy.Respectfully


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.