U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will be one of the first official visitors to Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument that was authorized by President Obama this week. Secretary Jewell will also participate in a dedication ceremony for the new monument.
This week Secretary Jewell has been visiting national parks around the country to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. On Sunday she’ll conclude that tour with a trip to Millinocket, Maine to participate in a public celebration and dedication ceremony of the country’s newest national monument: Katahdin Woods and Waters. The 87,500 acres east of Baxter State Park includes the East Branch of the Penobscot River and a forest that is home to bear, lynx and other wildlife. It is already open to the public for recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, camping and paddling. Other activities such as hunting and snowmobiling will also be allowed on a portion of the monument. The public celebration takes place at the New England Outdoor Center beginning at 5:00 PM on Sunday.
