Trail Therapy: A National Park for Northern Maine?

One of the most coveted designations for a tract of land is that of 'national park.'  A rather difficult process, certain residents and landowners in Maine are pushing for this designation, despite only 59 parks have been given the title since 1872.  Acquiring land for parks is a hassle and takes decades, but Ms. Quimby hit the jackpot when she land she got after selling Burt's Bees, giving over 100,000 acres to the federal government.  The goal?  Katahdin Woods and Waters National Park.

Some of the land was restricted against hunters and snowmobiles, causing opposition towards the creation of a park.  Another reasons was the distrust of the government having control over the land.  Lucas St. Clair, Quimby's son, attempted to drum up support through a grassroots program and opened some of his land to hunters and snowmobiles, adding support back into the campaign.

Proposed park land, the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Park would lie east of Baxter State Park, the home of Mount Katahdin, northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.  And the adjacent area would be a recreation area for hunting and snowmobiling.  Get support from people who focus importance on these areas, is, as St. Clair says is "the permanent protection of land for activities that go to the heart and soul of the region."

But why a national park and not just a monument or national forest?  The local economy is floundering and the "brand" of national park would help save the area.  It's the "gold standard" says St. Clair.  And even the most hardened voices of opposition are softening to the idea.  People still against it are worried about restrictions appearing against the forestry products industry.  Senator King is saying that the economical benefits may outweigh the loss of control over the resource.  The representative from the district housing the proposed area says he too is concerned about the economy, but wants a full plan before he backs one way or another.

The process may take thirty years, but those who support the formation of a park in the North Woods say that it's worth the wait.