PORTLAND, Maine—President Barack Obama on Wednesday created a new national monument in Maine on 87,000 acres donated by the founder of Burt’s Bees, fulfilling conservationist Roxanne Quimby’s goal of gifting the land during the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
The Katahdin Woods and Waters monument includes the East Branch of the Penobscot River and stunning views of Maine’s tallest mountain, Katahdin. The land is cherished by Native Americans, and its history includes visits by naturalist Henry David Thoreau and President Theodore Roosevelt.
“Through this incredibly generous private gift for conservation, these lands will remain accessible to current and future generations of Americans, ensuring the rich history of Mainers’ hunting, fishing and recreation heritage will forever be preserved,” Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said.
