
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO
On Wednesday, 24 August 2016, the eve of the centennial of the National Park Service in the U.S, President Obama established the Katahdin Woods and Waters area in Northern Maine, as a National Monument.
Created from more than 87,5000 acres of terrain donated by the founder of Burt’s Bees, producers of natural skin care products, Katahdin Woods and Waters has become the largest region of federal parkland in Maine, exceeding the 48,900-acre Acadia National Park on the eastern coast of Maine.
Obama said that Katahdin Woods and Waters contains an “extraordinary natural and cultural landscape” including mountains, woods and waters and “objects of significant scientific and historic interest”. He also spoke about the rich areas of Penobscot Indian heritage.
Hiking, camping, paddling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are permitted in the main section of the monument and in a smaller section snowmobiling and ATVs will also be allowed.
“We are thrilled that the beauty of Katahdin Woods and Waters has been recognised by our President and that moving forward, every effort will be made to ensure it is protected,” said Lori Harnois, Executive Director, Discover New England.
For further information on Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, visit www.nps.gov/kaww
For the full video of Obama at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FSovx0vxLg
For further information on New England, visit www.discovernewengland.co.uk
-Ends-
25 August 2016
Issued by the Discover New England UK Press Office.
Editor’s Note:
Discover New England represents the six American states of Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont to promote international visitation.
For more information and/or high resolution images please contact: Jo Thomas at KBC PR & Marketing on 01825 763636 or email jo.thomas@kbc-pr.com.