Proposed National Park & Preserve Woods A Vision of What Could Be

America’s Next Great National Park Maine Woods looking north from Mount Kineo

Early in the 20th Century, a group of visionary citizens worked tirelessly to protect will be two contiguous units — a National Park and a National Preserve — Economic Benefits. The proposed Maine Woods National Park & Preserve creation in the tourism sector, coupled with small business development, will at- an awe-inspiring portion of the Maine Coast for the benefit of the American each providing major benefits. will help significantly improve and revitalize the struggling, resource- tract professionals and entrepreneurs who are drawn to a small-town environ- people. The result was Acadia National Park, one of our country’s finest natural dependent economy of northern Maine. Studies have shown that every dollar ment that offers a healthy lifestyle focused on nature and outdoor recreation. treasures. Today, we are the beneficiaries of their efforts and foresight. • National Park. With “National Park” designation, the area will become invested in our National Parks returns ten dollars in economic value to the one of America’s natural crown jewels; prestigious, globally recognized, public. Nationwide, this creates billions of dollars of local economic activity Most of the Region Will Remain Private. Although expansive, a National Maine Woods National Park & Preserve. We now have an opportunity to create and protected much like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. Park & Preserve in northern Maine will leave more than 70 percent of the a magnificent new national park in Maine that will complement Acadia. Maine Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. This “brand” will bring with it Maine Woods unaffected. The vast majority of the region will remain privately Woods National Park & Preserve will protect 3.2 million acres of wildland in the significant economic and social benefits. Jobs for Local Towns. Acadia National Park generates tens of millions of owned and managed. will remain a state park, independent heart of the largest undeveloped landscape in the eastern U.S., preserve and dollars annually for coastal Maine. Comprehensive studies have concluded and under the control of the Baxter State Park Authority. interpret the area’s rich history and traditions, and offer a wide range of outdoor • National Preserve. “National Preserve” designation provides for that a National Park & Preserve in northern Maine could similarly benefit There are only few special places in America where it is still possible to create recreational activities close to the most densely populated region of the country. additional sporting activities, such as hunting and snowmobiling. the economy there, supporting thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in However, in most aspects, National Preserves resemble National Parks. economic activity at the local and regional levels. magnificent National Parks on a grand scale. The Maine Woods is sucha Park Management. The Park & Preserve will be managed by the National Public input will help to set the Preserve’s boundaries and ensure the place. Just as we thank the visionaries who created Acadia National Park, Park Service, an agency with a century of experience in land management, continuation of these important recreational pursuits — as with Alaska’s Gateway communities, such as Millinocket, Greenville, Rockwood, and Patten, future generations will thank you for establishing a Maine Woods National public education, and recreational programs. Similar to Alaska parks, there Denali and other National Preserves. will also see significant benefits from a National Park and National Preserve. Job Park & Preserve. Natural Wonders Rich History Wildland Recreation

the greatest population of wild native Endless Opportunities. Maine brook trout in the East. Woods National Park & Preserve will ensure public recreational access Endangered Species Recovery. to more than three million acres of Imperiled plants and animals will have a magnificent wildlands. chance to thrive — including the , marten, northern bog lemming, Visitors will be greeted with breathtaking bald eagle, spruce grouse, Bicknell’s vistas, a diversity of wildlife, and a wide thrush, wood turtle, Tomah mayfly, range of recreational opportunities. They small whorled pogonia, and what is will be able to hike and backpack on likely the most abundant Canada lynx wilderness trails; canoe, kayak and raft population in the lower 48 states. rushing rivers; fish for native brook trout in clear, cold streams; hunt for elusive Wildlife Restoration. The Park & North Woods game; swim and boat Preserve will be the best place in the on peaceful lakes and ponds; bicycle eastern U.S. to restore wilderness on networks of recovered forest roads; species, such as the eastern wolf and cross-country ski, snowshoe, and and cougar. Large native predators snowmobile on hundreds of miles of Hiker on Borestone Mountain are vital in maintaining healthy forests “Twilight in the Wilderness” trails in a winter wonderland. Camping on George Wuerthner and populations of game species. Painting of the Maine Woods by Frederic E. Church (1860) George Wuerthner Family Vacations. Maine Woods A Great American Wildland. Maine It will protect most of the land around Preserving Maine History. For thou- Discovering Maine Traditions. A Park & Consistent Stewardship. A number Guaranteed Access. Generations Climate Change. Huge amounts of National Park & Preserve will offer Woods National Park & Preserve will — one of the largest sands of years, Native Americans hunt- Preserve will expand our knowledge of, of Maine Woods attractions already of visitors to the Maine Woods carbon will be secured in the trees and unforgettable and affordable family become one of America’s premier wild- east of the Mississippi — and hun- ed, fished, and found spiritual inspiration and pride in, Maine Woods history and have some level of public or private were allowed recreational access soils of the Park & Preserve, helping to vacations. Special ranger programs will land destinations, protecting immense dreds of other remote lakes, ponds, in the Maine Woods. Forest products culture. Visitor centers will offer historic conservation protection. However, by traditional timberland owners. moderate the climate. The resiliency be available to introduce young people spruce-fir and hardwood forests, and and wetlands. companies produced timber and pa- exhibits, maps, and guidebooks. Rang- most are scattered and many Now, changing ownerships and of protected native ecosystems will to the wonders of the wild. Woodland most of New England’s remaining old- enable them to adapt to climate per. Adventurers such as Henry David ers and guides will offer field trips for are surrounded by lands open to development are eroding that Protected Wildlife Habitats. campgrounds and traditional Maine growth tracts. It will embrace thou- impacts. Native species will be able to Thoreau and Theodore Roosevelt gained those seeking to learn more. You might damaging development. The Park heritage. A Park & Preserve will Habitats will be safeguarded for the sporting camps will provide family sands of miles of clear streams, includ- migrate via connections to wildlands a lifelong commitment to conservation. join a docent or historian at an ancient & Preserve will connect, safeguard, guarantee public access to the Maine full range of native species, such as accommodations in beautiful settings. ing the headwaters of five of Maine’s in Canada to the north and along the Artists captured the region’s natural Native American flint quarry, watch an and ensure public enjoyment of these Woods so that future generations can the black bear, coyote, bobcat, fisher, Outdoor activities will offer healthy major rivers — Allagash, Aroostook, Appalachians to the west and south, as beauty. Guides and sporting camps of- old-time logging demonstration, or re- attractions under consistent National continue to enjoy Maine’s recreational moose, beaver, bald eagle, loon, and recreation for visitors of all ages. Kennebec, Penobscot, and St. John. global climate change shifts habitats. fered a unique backcountry experience. trace Thoreau’s historic route by canoe. Park Service stewardship. traditions.

William Sewall, Wilmot Dow, and Bull moose Fall maples and birches Canada lynx Theodore Roosevelt hunting in Maine, 1879 In the Maine Woods magazine, Skiing the quiet backcountry Fly fishing, Big Eddy, W. Br. Hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness George Wuerthner Michael Kellett U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace NHS Bangor & Aroostook Railroad, 1933 George Wuerthner Jym St. Pierre George Wuerthner Choosing the Future of the Maine Woods

Traditional Ownership. Henry David Thoreau was so inspired by the wild Choosing a Park & Preserve. The creation of Maine Woods National Park & Maine Woods of the mid-1800s that he envisioned the region as a “national Preserve will halt unsustainable resource exploitation. It will prevent inappropriate preserve.” Instead, most of this once-public land was transferred to a few residential, industrial, and commercial development. It will ensure public access large private owners. Fortunately, though they logged the forests, these tra- so we, and generations to come, can enjoy this beautiful region. ditional landowners avoided major development and allowed public access. How a Park Is Created. A rigorous public process is required before a National Growing Threats. In recent years, the situation has changed dramatically. Park & Preserve can be established. Typically, the first step is a feasibility study of Most of the region has been acquired by transnational corporations and the options, with extensive public review and input. Provided the study’s outcome speculators, who are often driven more by short-term profit than sustainable is positive, creation of a Park & Preserve requires congressional hearings, public forest management. Some key lands have gained limited protection, but most involvement, and an act of Congress and presidential signature. of the Maine Woods faces increasing threats from land subdivision, resource degradation, and loss of public access due to: After congressional authorization of a Park & Preserve, a comprehensive manage- ment plan is developed, with the full participation of the public. Park legislation • Misplaced real estate development on unspoiled shorelines can include creation of a citizen advisory committee with local representation. In • The posting of no trespassing signs on private lands contrast, the public has very limited say about the future of privately held lands. • Highways, energy facilities, oil and gas pipelines, and power lines • Industrial mines that could contaminate surface and ground waters Willing-seller Acquisition. Lands for a Park & Preserve will be acquired • Whole-tree chipping operations and biomass burning plants gradually, over time, through donations or by purchase from willing sellers. • Expansion of off-road motorized recreation into sensitive areas Baxter State Park will remain under state ownership and management. Towns, • Weakening of public land regulations for the benefit of special interests residences, and major roads will also be excluded.

We can no longer depend on the ways of the past to preserve the Maine Woods Now Is the Time for Action. We have a second chance to realize Thoreau’s for the future. We have a clear choice — to struggle with a declining status quo vision of a permanently protected Maine Woods as a grand Park & Preserve. We must act soon, before this unique window of opportunity is lost forever. Diano Circo Jon Luoma or to protect the heart of the region as a Maine Woods National Park & Preserve. Lobster Lake sunset Jym St. Pierre Park & Preserve Highlights

Here are some of the outstanding 10. Snowmobile Trails 19. Lobster Lake 29. Hunting Opportunities features of the proposed Maine Woods Snowmobilers will be able to enjoy 37 Recreationists can enjoy outstanding There are few opportunities in the National Park & Preserve. A number the stunning winter landscape in the mountain views, sandy beaches, eastern U.S. to hunt in such a remote of them now have public access and National Preserve unit via hundreds of and some of America’s best remote wildland. A wide diversity of game some level of protection, but they are miles of Maine’s Interconnected Trail canoeing and backcountry camping species from moose to grouse will generally isolated tracts surrounded by System (ITS), an important link between on this natural, clear-water lake. provide exceptional hunting in the lands threatened by development. The Maine Woods gateway communities. 36 National Preserve. Park & Preserve will buffer, connect, 20. Katahdin 11. Mount Kineo 30. Roosevelt’s Maine Woods and ensure permanent public access 35 Maine’s highest mountain is in Baxter This mountain’s dramatic cliff face ris- Theodore Roosevelt’s trips to the to special places such as these (listed 34 State Park. It will be a majestic backdrop es 800 feet above Moosehead Lake. Maine Woods in the 1870s with guides from South to North): 33 for much of the proposed Maine Woods It was a traditional Native American 32 31 National Park & Preserve, which will William Sewall and Wilmot Dow, while 1. Appalachian National Scenic Trail destination and the site of historic surround the state park. he was still a college student, inspired The 100 Mile Wilderness is one of the grand hotels for more than a century. him to protect millions of acres in parks 21. Blueback Trout most remote and beautiful stretches 29 30 and monuments when he became 12. Landscape Art Unique to Maine, this rare species of this world-renowned hiking trail. 28 President of the United States. The inspiring vistas of the Maine is found in only a few Maine Woods 2. Borestone Mountain Woods have long attracted waters, including Penobscot Lake. 31. Thoreau’s Maine Woods This scenic mountain offers pristine celebrated artists, such as Frederic 27 Pillsbury Island, now in the Allagash 22. St. John River Headwaters ponds and panoramic views of the Church, Marsden Hartley, James 26 Wilderness Waterway, was the The St. John, which begins in the 100 Mile Wilderness region. Fitzgerald, and Carl Sprinchorn. northernmost location reached by 25 proposed Park & Preserve, is the Henry David Thoreau on his three 3. Waterfalls 13. longest free-flowing river in the eastern extensive trips to the Maine Woods Little Wilson Falls, one of the highest This remote region of pristine lakes United States. It provides habitat for waterfalls along the Appalachian in the 1840-50s. and streams, rugged mountains, ice 24 rare plants such as the nationally Trail, is an example of the many caves, and lush forests offers an 22 23 endangered Furbish lousewort and 32. Ice Caves scenic cascades found throughout unforgettable wilderness experience. the New England violet, and offers These talus caves on pristine the proposed Park & Preserve. one of the country’s finest wildland are often cold enough 14. Sporting Camps 21 4. West Branch Pleasant River For well over a century, the legendary canoeing opportunities. to hold ice all year. There is high potential here for the sporting camps of the Maine Woods 20 23. International Appalachian Trail 33. Historic Logging Sites restoration of the endangered Atlantic have welcomed visitors. These 19 The proposed Park & Preserve will The remains of a railroad and the salmon in one of the wildest rivers in camps will continue to serve hunters, 17 18 contain the original stretch of this epic Eagle Lake Tramway, which is on the the northeastern United States. anglers, and wilderness adventurers. 16 hiking trail, which National Geographic National Register of Historic Places, 5. 15. Boundary Mountains 15 calls one of the world’s “top 20.” are among many fascinating artifacts from the early days of logging in the A part of Maine’s only 19th Century This range, which forms the height 14 24. Chesuncook Village Maine Woods. iron works operation, this facility of land between the U.S. and 13 One of few surviving examples of a is listed on the National Register of Canada, is a major migration route 12 19th-century logging village, this site 34. Old-Growth Forest Historic Places. for Neotropical birds and habitat for 11 on was visited by The proposed Park & Preserve will 6. Gulf Hagas and The Hermitage endangered golden eagles. 10 Thoreau. It is listed on the National encompass rare ancient forests, This three-mile canyon on the 16. Canada Lynx Habitat 9 Register of Historic Places. including almost 5,000 acres sur- rounding Big Reed Pond, the largest Pleasant River and majestic stand Most of the Park & Preserve will 25. Sugarloaf Mountain old-growth tract in New England. of old-growth white pines are both encompass lands that have been 8 This prominent peak features com- listed as National Natural Landmarks. officially designated as critical habitat manding views of Katahdin, an extraor- 35. 7. Moosehead Lake for the Canada lynx, a federally listed dinary fossil site, and some of the most This remote river contains vital At nearly 75,000 acres, this is one threatened species. 7 ancient geological formations in Maine. habitat for a globally rare orchid, the imperiled wood turtle, and the of America’s least-developed major 17. West Branch Penobscot River 26. Big Bog nationally endangered Atlantic lakes, with deep, cold waters that This river, which has qualified for 6 The Maine Woods has the largest salmon. provide ideal habitat for landlocked National Wild and Scenic River moose population in the lower 48 salmon, togue, and brook trout. designation, features mile-long states. Big Bog is one of many 36. Native American Sites 8. , an exceptional 5 excellent places to see them. A 10,000-year-old Native American landlocked salmon fishery, and 4 toolmaking site near Munsungan The headwaters of the Kennebec offer 3 27. Upper Gorge superb opportunities for family canoe Lake is listed on the National challenging whitewater canoeing and 2 This striking, V-shaped gorge is over trips and whitewater rafting. Register of Historic Places due to its rafting, as well as outstanding fishing 1 six miles long and up to 150 feet deep. opportunities. 18. East Branch Penobscot River archaeological significance. 28. Northern Forest Canoe Trail This river also qualifies for National 37. Allagash Wilderness Waterway 9. The wildest sections of this popular Wild and Scenic River designation, The proposed Park & Preserve will The Maine Woods is famous for world- water trail, which reaches from the and it includes dramatic waterfalls include the southernmost 50 miles class fishing, including this premier Adirondacks to the Canadian border, and vital habitat for Atlantic salmon of this world-famous destination for catch-and-release destination for will be protected within the National and imperiled plants. wilderness canoeing and camping. brook trout and salmon anglers. Park & Preserve. Help Make Maine Woods National Park & Preserve a Reality!

There is growing support for the • Public opinion polls have You can help make Maine Woods Design, editing, production: Michael Kellett creation of a new Maine Woods consistently found that a majority National Park & Preserve a reality! Photos and artwork: George Wuerthner, Jym St. Pierre, Michael Kellett, Diano Circo, National Park & Preserve. of Mainers favor a new national • Visit the Park & Preserve website Jon Luoma • The National Parks Second park or other large protected at www.mainewoods.org. Map: Art Grindle, Kennebec Conservation District. Century Commission has listed area in the Maine Woods. RESTORE: The North Woods is a nonprofit, • Join RESTORE: The North membership organization whose purpose is the creation of a national park Since the National Park & Preserve Woods to become a part of this to restore, preserve, and defend the natural in the Maine Woods as a high integrity of the North Woods of the United States idea was first put forward, important campaign. priority in an expanded National some significant lands within and Canada. Donations are tax-deductible. Park System. the proposed boundaries have • Contact: © 2014 by RESTORE: The North Woods • Americans for a Maine Woods gained increased protection by RESTORE: The North Woods National Park, a national public agencies, land trusts, and 9 Union Street committee of prominent citizens, individual philanthropists. The Park Hallowell, Maine 04347 has endorsed the designation of & Preserve will expand, connect, (207) 626-5635 a Park & Preserve. buffer, and ensure permanent [email protected] Printed on 100 percent post- Hunting and snowmobiling will be allowed in Maine Woods National Preserve protection for these special places. consumer recycled paper Little Wilson Falls Studying wild nature George Wuerthner / Jym St. Pierre Michael Kellett George Wuerthner