To the editor:
This summer I explored on a mountain bike, along with other Aroostook County residents, a small part of the 150,000-acre Katahdin Woods & Waters Recreation Area, the land proposed to become Maine’s second National Park and National Recreation Area.
There are many features of this land that would enhance the National Park System, but to me the most important is that it is connected to other conservation lands, such as Baxter State Park. Research has determined that wildlife, including moose, bear, lynx, and pine marten, do not follow the narrow “wildlife corridors” established by humans between wilderness areas. Maine’s iconic mammals require large, contiguous plots of land to maintain healthy populations.
Furthermore, I believe that the proposal would complement Baxter State Park. Baxter is beloved by residents of Aroostook County and others, but the intentionally primitive and wild nature of the roads and overnight facilities, while appealing to many of us, are unsuitable and/or inaccessible for others. With national park designation, hiking, white and flat-water paddling, fishing, cycling, cross-country skiing, and wildlife observation would be enjoyed by a more diverse population from around the country and world.
As we who live in The County know, many Mainers have never ventured north of Bangor. An alternative outdoors experience, just east of our very special state park would augment appreciation of the ecosystem of the North Maine Woods give us the opportunity to introduce new visitors to the four-season events and activities in the Crown of Maine.
I strongly encourage you to ask our congressional representatives to support the acceptance of this amazing gift offered by Elliotsville Plantation, Inc. to the United States and to Maine.
Bonnie S. Wood
professor emerita of biology
Presque Isle
