Great news! An interpretive map is now available for the loop road on our new National Monument. The map is the first gift to the Monument from the group, Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, a nonprofit founded in January to raise private funds for the Monument.
“Though not yet a year old, the organization is already making donations to supplement – not replace – federal funding for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument,” said Lucas St. Clair, board president of the group. “This $5000 project was made possible entirely through member donations,” Lucas said. “We heartily thank our charter-year donors whose monetary contributions we are converting into tangible improvements in, and services to, the monument.”
The loop road map was designed by cartographer Bill Duffy of Northern Geomantics. The 18-by-24-inch folded, full-color production has on its front side a precision topographic map showing trails, roads, rivers and other loop area features. An interpretive text and photos keyed to scenic and historic stops occupy the reverse.
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters board member Anita Mueller, who directed the map project, said, “With stops along the 16-mile Loop Road, the interpretive map provides context to the historical, biological, and geological significance of the Monument’s southern landscape and highlights recreation opportunities including birding, biking and hiking, all adding value to the visitor experience.”
Monument Superintendent Tim Hudson said, “The availability of the detailed description and available sights and activities on the Katahdin Loop Road will be of grea assistance to the monument’s visitors and significantly increases the National Park Service’s ability to serve the public. I thank the newly formed Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters for such a generous contribution made so early in their history.”
The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Loop Road Interpretive Map is available free at the Monument’s Millinocket and Patten’s Village Contact Stations, also at Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce and along the Loop Road. An electronic version can be viewed at www.friendsofkatahdinwoodsandwaters.org and on the free-for-download Discover Katahdin visitor’s app.