Katahdin Woods Expansion: New Law to Grow National Monument, Keep Hunting & Fiddleheading

Alright, let's talk about some fresh legislation that's looking to expand one of Maine's natural gems, the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. This bill, officially dubbed the "Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act," is all about making the monument a little bigger while keeping some local traditions alive. It’s pretty straightforward, aiming to beef up conservation efforts without stepping on too many toes.

More Land, No Land Grabs

The core of this bill is about expanding the monument's footprint. It sets up an "Authorized Acquisition Area" — basically, a designated zone next to the current monument boundaries. The Secretary of the Interior gets the green light to acquire land within this new area, but here’s the kicker: they can only buy from willing sellers. That means no eminent domain, so if you own land in that zone and don't want to sell, you don't have to. Any land bought this way automatically becomes part of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and will be managed under its existing rules (Section 1, Section 3).

Keeping Traditions Alive: Hunting, Fishing, and Fiddleheads

This is where it gets interesting for folks who use these lands. The bill explicitly states that on any newly acquired land, activities like hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation that were happening before the government bought it can continue (Section 4). So, if you've been hunting deer or fishing for trout in an area that gets added to the monument, you should still be able to. Plus, there’s a cool provision for gathering fiddlehead ferns by hand for personal, non-commercial use. Just don't go trying to sell them, and if the Secretary thinks you're harming the ecosystem, they might put some limits on it (Section 4).

Education, Timber, and Safety on the Roads

The bill also pushes for more public education, especially working with local communities and Tribal governments to share the monument's natural and cultural history, including past timber management. Speaking of timber, the Secretary can conduct noncommercial timber harvests if it's deemed necessary for the monument's management plan (Section 4). And for those who need to move timber from areas outside the monument using roads that run through it, your existing access rights are preserved. The bill also mandates safety education and procedures to help visitors and logging trucks coexist safely on those shared roads (Section 4).

Better Visitor Experience on the Horizon?

Finally, the bill allows for the acquisition of up to 10 acres of land outside the monument boundary to set up administrative offices and visitor facilities (Section 5). This could mean better restrooms, visitor centers, or ranger stations, making trips to the monument more comfortable. The Secretary can even team up with state, tribal, or local governments, or private groups, to create a cooperative information center. So, if you're planning a trip to Katahdin Woods and Waters, you might see some upgraded services down the line.