MAINE PUBLIC • December 19, 2024
A public lands bill that would improve access to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument was unanimously passed in the Senate. The bill would allow the National Park Service to acquire almost 2,500 acres of land, either through purchase or easement, to provide southern vehicle access to the monument. Brian Hinrichs, executive director for the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, said the owners of the logging roads connecting the monument to Millinocket as well as community members are in favor of the bill. Hinrichs said the biggest concern now is that the U.S. House will not have time to pass the bill before the end of the legislative session.