National Park Service staff running Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine now have a headquarters to work out of, thanks to the efforts of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters.

The structure, located in Patten, Maine, was donated by Steven and Vicki Richardson, members of the friends group. Support from the National Park Foundation and the endowment created by the Roxanne Quimby Foundation made it possible to acquire the building and keep it in good condition for the park staff.

“The National Park Service occupies the Patten building now,” said Andrew Bossie, executive director of FKWW. “The rent-free arrangement allows the monument’s budget to go further. Private philanthropy like this, leveraged with collaboration, is fundamental to the success of the Monument and the Katahdin region.”

The facility is a working office, not a visitor contact venue, said Mr. Bossie. Visitor stations are housed at nearby Patten Lumbermen’s Museum and in downtown Millinocket.

After retrofitting the building, the National Park Foundation granted Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters ownership of the house in 2017. Maintenance funds were also granted to the friends group from an endowment at the Park Foundation for the monument; that endowment was established by The Roxanne Quimby Foundation when the monument was created in August of 2016.

“The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument provides an important economic opportunity for Northern Maine, preserves a beautiful and fruitful part of the environment, and is regenerating the aspirations of our youth and communities,” said Steven Richardson. “Vicki and I are happy to contribute to this effort and we can see no better use of our family home than to support this cause.”