PORTLAND, Maine — A letter from the National Park Service director has done little to allay concerns that President Barack Obama could create a national monument on land east of Baxter State Park.
Director Jonathan Jarvis didn’t address the president’s intentions in a letter to Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and Rep. Bruce Poliquin, who urged the president in November to reconsider designating the land as a monument.
The land is owned by a foundation created by Burt’s Bees founder Roxanne Quimby.
Jarvis thanked the lawmakers for sharing their concerns, but didn’t divulge whether or not the administration intended to proceed with the idea.
King and Collins said they were disappointed that Jarvis didn’t address any of their conditions. Those include stipulations for "traditional" recreational uses including hunting and snowmobiling and for recognizing established easements.