A C T I O N   A L E R T

HELP SAVE THE ALLAGASH

In the middle of the night, as indeed each time that we lay on the shore of a lake, we heard the voice of the loon, loud and distinct, from far over the lake. It is a very wild sound, quite in keeping with the place… When camping in such a wilderness as this, you are prepared to hear sounds from some of its inhabitants which will give voice to its wildness.

~ From Henry D. Thoreau, “The Allegash and East Branch,” 1864

WHAT’S HAPPENING

• For more than a century and a half the river and lakes of the Allagash watershed in northern Maine have attracted adventurers from across America and beyond. To protect the wilderness experience there, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) was created as a partnership between our national government and the State of Maine.

• Lands along the Allagash were purchased with federal and state funds in the 1960s.

• In 1970, the AWW was incorporated into the national Wild & Scenic River System. It is a national treasure. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is not just another state park. It is unique in Maine and in the United States. It deserves special attention to preserve its special wilderness qualities.

• By law, the Restricted Zone along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway is to be managed for “maximum wilderness character.”

• Despite this history, the State is now planning to use $1.2 million in federal funds to erect six storage buildings (40’ x 60’) and office buildings (20’ x 20’) at three locations within the AWW Restricted Zone, the most protected area of the waterway.

• Locating the new buildings in the AWW Restricted Zone is not consistent with the State’s Allagash Wilderness Management, which says the primary goal of the AWW is to “Enhance the wilderness character of the restricted zone.” 

• It is not clear this development is truly needed, but if is, it could be sited outside the Restricted Zone in the AWW.

• The Bureau of Parks & Lands also plans to launch a 22’ aluminum landing craft with 250hp outboard motor in the AWW. The boat is inconsistent with the principles of wilderness management, is out of character for the AWW, and will only add to the storage, docking and operational expenses.

• Several former Superintendents of the AWW and Maine Guides oppose the proposed development.

• Everyone has a stake in protecting the wilderness in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

HOW TO HELP

Send written comments to the Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands at the address below. You can use information in the key points listed above, but it is best to put comments into your own words.

Andy Cutko, Director, Bureau of Parks and Lands, Andy.Cutko@maine.gov, 22 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0022