Let's write about Maine's Katahdin Woods Monument

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is a U.S. national monument spanning 87,563 acres (137 sq mi) of mountains and forestland in northern Penobscot County, Maine, including a section of the East Branch Penobscot River. The monument is located on the eastern border of Maine's Baxter State Park. Native animals include moose, bobcats, bald eagles, salmon, and Canada lynx.

Pond Pitch along the East Branch of the Penobscot River

Seven years ago - in 2023, we celebrate the 7th year since the designation by President Obama of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. 

Don Hudson (wdonhudson) wrote this tribute to the monument on his Instagram page:  "I got to catch up on the progress of Tekαkαpimək—“as far as one can see” (Wabanaki), which is nestled into the ridge to the east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River. 

Tekαkαpimək is a variable measure of distance that anyone who has paddled on a river will understand. You look up river, paddle to that point, and look again. If you’ve been told to go 6 Tekαkαpimək to find your destination, you simply repeat that process 5 more times. One ‘look’ could be a mile or 100 yards! 

I came away from visiting the building site with a profound feeling of thanks and appreciation. 

North Central Maine, United States Nearest city Bangor

North Central Maine, United States Nearest city Bangor

There is nothing in the National Park Service like this visitor contact station will be when it is completed. The stories of the Wabanaki will be told by them in the space that they created. We got a glimpse today, and it will not disappoint.

Later in the afternoon, a few of us paddled upstream on the East Branch from Lunksoos Camps, and I got to see the International Appalachian Trail from a different perspective—running across the ridge of Deasey Mountain. Thanks to Roxanne Quimby for allowing us 20 years ago to build the trail on lands that would later be designated a national treasure. A full day!"

 #penobscotland #wabanakiland #maineiat #friendsofkatahdinwoodsandwaters #Tekαkαpimək