Park Advocates Prevail, Proposed Mine Near Katahdin Woods and Waters Stopped

Brewer, ME – Today, Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission denied a proposal to mine zinc seven miles from Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Wolfden Resources, a Canadian exploration company, sought to rezone nearly 400 acres of lands and waters in the Penobscot River watershed for an industrial mining operation. NPCA joined our partners in the community and with the Penobscot Indian Nation and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, opposing the mine given its threats to the Tribe’s traditional and present-day homelands and important resources in and around the national park including rivers, endangered wildlife and dark skies.

Statement by Todd Martin, Northeast Senior Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association

“Today’s decision is a victory for the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, and for all who live in and visit the region. Stopping the mine is the right thing to do and better protects Maine’s iconic wildlife, clear waterways and prized fishery from industrial mine pollution. Thanks to the foresight of the Land Use Planning Commission, Tribal leaders and the hundreds of Mainers who came together to speak out, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument will remain a wild place of quiet solitude for all to enjoy.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org