MILLINOCKET, MAINE – On the heels of the National Park Service Centennial, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will join community members and stakeholders on Sunday, August 28th to participate in a public celebration and dedication ceremony to commemorate the designation of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine. The weekend visit will conclude Secretary Jewell’s nationwide tour celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates.
Earlier this week, President Obama designated the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument using his authority under the Antiquities Act after the Elliotsville Plantation, Inc., (EPI) donated 87,500 acres of land in the Katahdin region to the National Park Service. The EPI donation is accompanied by an endowment of $20 million to supplement federal funds for initial park operational needs and infrastructure development at the new monument, and a pledge of another $20 million in future philanthropic support.
The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument designation marks one of the first steps in the second century of conservation of America’s public lands. The new national monument includes the stunning East Branch of the Penobscot River and a portion of Maine’s North Woods that is rich in biodiversity and known for its outstanding opportunities to hike, canoe, hunt, fish, snowmobile, snowshoe and cross-country ski. These and other traditional activities will continue to be available in the new national monument.
Who:
Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
Chellie Pingree, U.S. Congresswoman
Lucas St. Clair, President, Elliotsville Plantation, Inc
Dr. Liliane Willens, Quimby Family Foundation
Theresa Pierno, President & CEO, National Parks Conservation Foundation
Jamie Williams, President, The Wilderness Society
Lise Aangeenbrug, Executive Vice President, National Park Foundation
Lisa Pohlmann, Executive Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine
Matt Polstein, Owner, New England Outdoor Center
What:
Celebration & Dedication of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument
When:
Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016
5:00 – 7:30 p.m. EDT
Where:
New England Outdoor Center
30 Twin Pines Road
Millinocket, ME 04462
Media:
Credentialed members of the media are encouraged to RSVP here.
Source: Department of Interior
