Publications

Information Sheet

Maine Woods Park Proposal at-a-Glance
Create, over time, a 3.2 million-acre national park and preserve in the Moosehead-Katahdin region of northern Maine

RESTORE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
• Prevent development and fragmentation of land ownership and wildlife habitat
• Protect water quality and restore fish habitat
• End the spraying of toxic pesticides
• Restore natural habitat for native plants and wildlife
• Establish the premier wilderness area of the eastern U.S.

ENSURE PERMANENT PUBLIC ACCESS FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION
• Restore quality fishing throughout the area
• Significantly increase the miles of hiking trails and number of family campsites
• Continue hunting and snowmobiling in a National Preserve
• Continue the tradition of private sporting camps serving the public
• Continue leases for existing private camps so that people are not displaced
• Provide educational programs about the natural and human history of the Maine Woods
• Ensure public access; reduce or eliminate road/gate/access fees

SUPPORT A DIVERSE AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY
• Create new jobs through direct employment and the attraction of new businesses
• Stimulate the economy by drawing more visitors to the area
• Help stem the out-migration of hard working Maine residents and our young people
• Ensure that communities and people are not displaced, by excluding developed areas
• Provide technical & funding support to help communities manage economic growth
• Make payments in lieu of taxes that would offset property tax losses on public lands
• Support the forest products industry by:
- buying land only from willing sellers - landowners can continue to manage for forest products as long as it is economically viable, and will have a buyer when it isn't.
- establishing the park/preserve gradually to avoid sudden changes in the economy
- leaving more than 14 million acres of Maine forest outside the park area

PUBLIC INPUT AND FUNDING
• Conduct a congressionally authorized, public feasibility study to verify that the area is of national significance and to analyze and compare conservation alternatives
• Assure public input by establishing a citizens board to help oversee the park/preserve
• Fund with new appropriations from the Land & Water Conservation Fund.

For more information, contact:
RESTORE: The North Woods
9 Union Street, Hallowell, ME 04347
(207) 626-5635 or mainewoods@restore.org

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