Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke came away Wednesday from tramping and paddling about Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument impressed by the landscape in northern Maine.
The day started with a driving tour on the Katahdin Loop Road with Lucas St. Clair, the son of Roxanne Quimby. It was Ms. Quimby who donated 87,500 acres of her land to the Interior Department last summer so President Obama could designate the national monument that sits in the late-day shadow of Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The drive was followed with a canoe trip on the Penobscot River, and ended with dinner and an overnight stay at the Lunksoos Camp.
“Today, we saw a lot of gorgeous woods and waterways, and I’m very grateful to the family for their generosity,” said Secretary Zinke. “We all share the same goals of conserving the land and prioritizing access for hunting, fishing, recreation, and other traditional uses of the land. As we move forward with the review process, I want to make sure every advocate is confident their voice will be heard. I look forward to working with both state and local stakeholders as we finish the review.”
While he didn't make a firm commitment on the future of the monument, the secretary told reporters he didn't foresee a recommendation to shrink the size of Katahdin Woods and Waters.
The Interior secretary traveled to Maine this week to personally explore the national monument. President Trump in April directed him to look at 27 national monuments established since 1996 to determine whether they were created under the guidelines of the Antiquities Act. That act gives presidents the authority to designate national monuments to protect "historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest," but in "the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected."
President Trump believes President Obama took advantage of his authority under the act to "unilaterally put millions of acres of land and water under strict federal control. Eliminating the ability of the people who actually live in those states to decide how best to use that land."
Last month, Secretary Zinke was in Utah to travel across Bears Ears National Monument and nearby Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. That trip prompted the secretary to recommend to President Trump that Bears Ears should be reduced in size by an unspecified number of acres.
By July 10, the Interior secretary is to provide the president with a final report on his views of how the last three presidents have used the Antiquities Act and whether any revisions to monuments they designated should be made.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
