Public Comment Period Begins for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument General Management Plan

PATTEN, Maine - The National Park Service (NPS) seeks public input to guide the development of a general management plan for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument ("the Monument"). The plan is in the early stages of development. NPS seeks feedback from the public and local community members to help identify key issues, opportunities and potential management strategies.

From April 29 through May 6, 2026, members of the public may participate in this planning process. The information gathered by NPS will inform decision-making and priority setting for public investments over the next decade.

Those interested in hearing more about the general management plan may attend one or more public meetings, which will include opportunities to ask questions and to make preliminary comments. The links to these virtual public meetings will go live on the General Management Plan's official Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) webpage on April 29, 2026, on the Monument's website and on its social media accounts.

The Monument does not yet have a comprehensive management plan. Building on earlier planning efforts, including the Monument's Foundation Document and the previous draft Management Framework effort, NPS now seeks public perspectives to inform draft management vision, desired conditions and zoning concepts that will guide the future of this nationally significant landscape.

The meetings will be held:

Virtual Public Meetings

April 29, 2026 - 5:00-6:00 PM (ET)
April 30, 2026 - 5:00-6:00 PM (ET)
Link to join will be available at:
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/KAWWGMP

Open House (Stop-In Information Opportunity) Patten, Maine

April 29-30, 2026
Drop in any time during the day to speak with NPS staff, review displays, and provide input.
Location and hours will be posted at:
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/KAWWGMP

In-Person Public Meetings

May 5, 2026 - 5:30-7:30 PM (ET)
May 6, 2026 - 5:30-7:30 PM (ET)
Locations and details will be provided on the project website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/KAWWGMP

Those who cannot attend a public meeting may learn more about this process and enter comments/questions at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/KAWWGMP through May 29, 2026.

The public commentary period will last from April 29, 2026, to May 29, 2026. This link for public commentary for this plan will go live on April 29, 2026.

What Is a General Management Plan?

A general management plan will provide the Monument with a long-term management framework. It will guide decisions related to resource stewardship, visitor use and experiences, access and facilities. Public input at this early stage helps NPS consider the best strategies for the care of the Monument's ecosystems, cultural resources, dark skies and recreational opportunities to serve both current and future generations.

This planning effort builds upon earlier internal and stakeholder work and differs from the 2020 Management Framework. The Framework outlined preliminary management areas, but it did not constitute a full NPS general management plan. The plan will take a broader, monument-wide approach: establishing desired conditions and management zones, incorporating Tribal knowledge and considering community priorities.

About Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument protects 87,000 acres of wild, scenic and culturally rich landscapes east of Baxter State Park. The Monument encompasses glacially sculpted terrain, diverse ecosystems, internationally recognized dark skies and lands significant to the Wabanaki Tribes. The Monument offers opportunities for hiking, skiing, paddling, wildlife viewing and learning about the region's natural and cultural history.

The General Management Plan will help federal employees to ensure the preservation of Monument resources while providing exceptional service for visitors who experience this special place.

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www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.