Katahdin public land purchase
MILLINOCKET — A large portion of Maine land was recently acquired by a national nonprofit for preservation.
On December 21st, the “Trust For Public Land” purchased 31,367 acres from “Conservation Resources,” a timber investment management organization.
The acquired land is south of the Katahdin Woods and Waters national monument. According to “Trust For Public Land” Maine State Program Director Betsy Cook, the goal is to develop access to the Katahdin woods and waters for Millinocket and East Millinocket communities.
The land includes forests, rivers and streams, as well as multiple wildlife and fish habitats.
“The trust for public land is looking to ensure that there can be continued use of these trails and that many of the communities connected to the land will be able to stay connected to it for generations to come,” said Cook.
According to Cook, opening access for this area would provide economic benefits to the towns, as well. Gail Fanjoy, a lifelong resident of Millinocket and a former town council member, encourages residents to embrace the upcoming changes.
“I think people will be surprised, I think they’ll be happy. I hope they’ll see the benefit that it will bring to our communities,” said Fanjoy.
The trust hopes to raise $32 million over the next few years to support permanent protection for the land and maintain the area as a cultural resource. To support the protection of the Katahdin wilderness, visit tpl.org.
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