East Branch of the Penobscot under review

[Dr John]

As everyone likely knows, the department of the interior is currently reviewing several national monuments. Of particular interest to us paddlers ,especially in the Northeast US, is the review of the Katahadin Wooda and Waters. This area encompasses much of the East Branch and the surrounding woods. The East Branch is a true north woods canoeist river. It was a key part of Thoreau's trip through the Maine woods and rich in history.

Until July 10, the dept of the interior is collecting public comments. I encourage anyone who values great canoeing rivers to comment on the value of this area.

You can comment at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0001

Thanks
Dr John

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

This was the first river I ever paddled. Summer of 1955. Took out behind the house we were visiting in the "town" of Grindstone and put in about 10 miles up river. I don't think anything much has changed in that area since.

This national monument issue is very interesting but it's quite political, and I think this site should avoid politics. I'll just say that I'm sure that the Department of the Interior is looking specifically for comments relating the seven factors listed in the OP's link. Factor (i) might be the most important because it's the one that's gotten the most publicity: whether the 87,563 acre Katahdin National Monument has been "confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected" -- which is the precise legal requirement under the American Antiquities Act of 1906.

 

[Robin]

Thanks for the heads up. Please read the attachment and make a comment there. I respectfully ask that we not debate the subject here.
Thank You

 

[yellowcanoe]

The Portland Press Herald has done some extensive reporting There are pros and cons of course
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/04/...nal-monument-amid-anticipated-federal-review/
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/06/...-katahdin-woods-and-waters-national-monument/

The issue is whether adequate public comment was sought initially.

Hopefully the links will give readers some background on this issue if they are unfamiliar with it so they may make some wise comments.

 

[Abenakiregion]

Did the trip this May. River was running 6000 cfs at Grindstone. It was a fast trip. One of my favorites.
Dave

 

[Paddlinhal]

I think the outhouse at Grindstone must be the world's only riveted steel outhouse. That thing will outlive the end of time.