PATTEN, Maine — Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, the official philanthropic partner of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, welcomed Superintendent Sheldon “Mark” Wimmer and his family to his new post following the National Park Service announcement of his appointment.
“We look forward to working with Superintendent Wimmer to preserve and protect the woods, waters, and dark skies known as Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument,” said Andrew Bossie, executive director.
The national monument attracted 41,000 visitors in 2020, with spending in nearby communities supporting 38 jobs and a $3.3 million cumulative benefit to the local economy.
“Mark Wimmer and his family are joining the Katahdin Region community at a critical moment for the park and the surrounding communities,” Bossie continued. “He will be working with a fantastic existing park service staff at the national monument and a diverse community of partners devoted to vital relationships to this landscape. We’re excited to see Mark’s experience and background soon be part of the Katahdin Woods and Waters community.”
The national monument turned five years old in August of 2021 during a year of celebrated moments for the Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, officially designated as the philanthropic park partner to start the year.
In July, the Friends gifted seven new tent sites near Lunksoos Camps. Each month since February, Friends has hosted New Moon Teachings, a webinar series that centers on Wabanaki people sharing narratives about the landscape in and around the national monument.
As 2021 nears its close, the youth program Katahdin Learning Project is celebrating over 7,000 student experiences since the program’s inception in 2017.
The mission of Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters is to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality and distinctive cultural resources of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of all generations.
