Maine’s new monument offers chance for rustic adventures

STACYVILLE, Maine – Maine’s new Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument presents a chance for camping, hiking and birding, along with a dash of political intrigue.

The monument was designated by President Barack Obama last summer. It’s more than 87,000 acres (36,000 hectares) of forested wilderness in northern Maine and is home to bear, moose, eagles and breathtaking views of Mount Katahdin, the state’s highest peak.

The creation of the monument came at the end of a long, contentious public process. Whether it should retain monument status remains a subject of debate.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke visited the monument last month and signalled that he’s in favour of keeping it. But Maine Gov. Paul LePage is a vocal critic of it.

Much of the site remains undeveloped. A visit is a rustic experience.