What’s New

Private Philanthropy and Collaboration Celebrated as the Nonprofit Enters its Second Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, January 22, 2018

PATTEN, ME:  Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters (FKWW), the nonprofit founded a year ago to raise private funds for Maine’s new national Monument, has completed its second charitable project, the acquisition of a Patten, Maine building to be used for National Park Service administrative offices.

FKWW’s first project, funded by membership donations, was an Interpretive Map and Guide to the Loop Road, published in August and available for free.

“The National Park Service occupies the Patten building now,” said Andrew Bossie, executive director of FKWW. “The rent-free arrangement allows the Monument’s budget to go further. Private philanthropy like this, leveraged with collaboration, is fundamental to the success of the Monument and the Katahdin region.”

Bossie emphasized the facility is a working office, not a visitor contact venue. Visitor stations are housed at nearby Patten Lumbermen’s Museum and in downtown Millinocket.

Anita Mueller, vice president of FKWW board said, “We are so grateful to Steve and Vicki Richardson, who generously donated the facility to the National Park Foundation (NPF).”

After retrofitting it, the NPF granted FKWW ownership of the house in 2017. Maintenance funds were also granted to FKWW from an endowment at NPF for the Monument; that endowment was established by The Roxanne Quimby Foundation when the Monument was created in August of 2016.

“The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument provides an important economic opportunity for Northern Maine, preserves a beautiful and fruitful part of the environment, and is regenerating the aspirations of our youth and communities,” said Steven Richardson. “Vicki and I are happy to contribute to this effort and we can see no better use of our family home than to support this cause.”

Will Shafroth, NPF’s president and CEO, said, “The foundation raises funds for America’s national parks and supports nonprofits like Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, which is already doing excellent work after one year. We are pleased to be on the team bringing about the Patten project.”

Monument Superintendent Tim Hudson said, “The combined philanthropy of the Richardsons, National Park Foundation, Quimby family and Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters enhances our ability to foster resource protection and meaningful visitor experiences. The monument is grateful for the partners who made this happen.”

“Thanks to the generosity of our members and other donors,” Bossie said, “Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters is poised to enlarge its giving and advocacy programs in 2018.”

The membership nonprofit was founded in January 2017 by individuals to ensure the success of the newly established Monument. A sixteen-member board of directors guides the nonprofit, which raises funds supporting the Monument, defends it against threats, mobilizes volunteers for site projects and represents users in the betterment of park operations.

Like Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument sprang entirely from private philanthropy, a word that means “love of mankind generally.” This 87,563-acre gift to the nation and Maine from the Roxanne Quimby family challenges citizens to honor the natural, cultural and economic bounty of the northern wilds. By engaging people in protecting these civic assets, FKWW works, in gratitude, to extend and magnify the tradition of selflessness that informed the Monument’s creation.

To become involved in Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, visit: www.friendsofkww.org.

~~~~~~~~

Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is a 501(c)(3) Maine-based nonprofit organization. Its mission is to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality and distinctive cultural resources of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of all generations. www.friendsofkww.org

#          #          #

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announces details about the fate of 27 National Monuments under review in a report today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 5, 2017

PORTLAND, ME:  Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters (FKWW), the nonprofit organization founded this year to support Maine’s new national monument, expressed concerns over potential changes to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in a report released by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today.

Within the report, Secretary Zinke recommends that the administration make changes to Katahdin Woods and Waters that “promote a healthy forest through active timber management” and vague language about prioritizing public access, infrastructure, traditional and tribal use, as well as hunting and fishing rights in the management plan currently under development for the monument.

“We will continue to promote and support the original intent of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument,” said Andrew Bossie, Executive Director of FKWW. “We’re relieved that the report doesn’t recommend changes to the size or existence of the monument, but we will continue to monitor any efforts to amend the proclamation and Monument as it currently stands.”

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument was designated by President Obama on August 24, 2016 after years of advocacy by locals and conservationists. Maine philanthropist Roxanne Quimby agreed to donate 87,563 acres of land she had purchased for creation of the monument. The current designation allows for fishing throughout the property, with hunting and snowmobiling allowed within certain designated areas.

This spring, President Donald Trump called for a review of 27 national monuments, many of which had been designated by former presidents Obama and Clinton. During a public comment period this summer, over 260,000 individuals sent comments to the Department of the Interior in support of Katahdin Woods and Waters; fewer than 100 individuals provided opposing remarks.

“The monument is providing a much-needed boost to the local economies of the Katahdin region,” continued Bossie. “We’re seeing increased visitation to the area and businesses are expanding, despite the cloud of this current controversy.”

~~~~~~~~

Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is a 501(c)(3) Maine-based nonprofit organization. Its mission is to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality and distinctive cultural resources of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of all generations. www.friendsofkww.org 

#          #          #

PRESS RELEASE

September 5, 2017

Andrew Bossie Named as First Executive Director

Elaine Tselikis Hired as Communications and Administrative Coordinator

Portland, Maine: Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters (FKWW), the nonprofit organization founded in January to raise private funds for Maine’s new national monument, has appointed Andrew Bossie, of Portland, as FKWW’s first executive director. He began the part-time position on September 1.

“We’re extremely happy to have Andy in this important job to help professionalize the organization and speak publicly on its behalf,” said Lucas St. Clair, board president. “He brings a wealth of fundraising and management skills as a seasoned nonprofit leader and knows how to build effective institutions.”

Bossie was executive director of Maine AIDS Alliance (2007-2011) and ran Maine Citizens for Clean Elections (MCCE) from 2011 to 2017. He grew up in Caribou, Maine, and took his bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of Southern Maine.

“The mountains, waters, and woods of Maine’s newest monument have been a place of wonder, relaxation, and recharging for much of my life. It’s an honor to be working with Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, Maine communities, and people everywhere to ensure this special tract of land is protected, supported, and enjoyed for generations to come,” said Bossie.

Also named to a new post was Elaine Tselikis, of South Portland. “Elaine has an excellent background in cause-related organizations, as both a freelance consultant and a staff executive,” said Anita Mueller, vice president of Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. “She’s been on the job just a short time and already is helping make us a smoother functioning nonprofit.”

Tselikis is principal at VisionTree Creative, in which capacity she has developed grants for numerous Maine organizations. She also has served as Assistant to the President of St. Joseph’s College of Maine, Director of Communications and Outreach at Literacy Volunteers of Maine, and Director of Communications and Development at Lift360. She holds both a bachelor’s in art education and master’s in adult education from the University of Southern Maine.

“As a wildlife advocate, I’m excited about the great potential for the Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters to work with Maine people to protect pristine habitats,” said Tselikis.  “Alongside the enjoyment of nature’s beauty, the monument offers a means to learn the new science for compassionate conservation, dialogue about respectful co-existence, and preserve and protect our essential natural world.”

~~~~~~~~

About Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters:

The mission of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of all generations.

A sixteen-member board of directors guides the nonprofit, which raises funds supporting the monument, defends it against threats, mobilizes volunteers for site projects and represents users in the betterment of monument operations.

Like Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument sprang full-blown from private philanthropy, a word that means “love of mankind generally.” This 87,563-acre gift to the nation and Maine from the Roxanne Quimby family challenges citizens to honor and steward the natural and cultural bounty of the northern wilds. By engaging people in protecting these civic assets, Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters works, in gratitude, to extend and magnify the tradition of selflessness and generosity that informed the monument’s creation.

To join and become involved in Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, visit: https://www.friendsofkww.org.

#          #          #

August 4, 2017

Millinocket, Maine – Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, the nonprofit organization founded in January to raise private funds for Maine’s new national monument, has completed its first charitable project, an interpretive map and guide to the scenic Loop Road.

“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 Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. “This $5,000 project was made possible entirely through member donations. We heartily thank our charter-year donors, whose monetary contributions we are converting into tangible improvements in, and services to, the monument.”

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 great 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.”

Don Hudson, board treasurer, said, “Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters will make additional grants in 2017 and enlarge its giving program in 2018 and beyond.”

The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Loop Road Interpretive Map is available free at the Monument’s Millinocket and Patten Visitor Contact Stations, also at Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce and along the Loop Road. An electronic version can be viewed at https://www.friendsofkww.org/visitkww and on the free-for-download Discover Katahdin visitor’s app.

#

About Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters:

The mission of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of all generations.

A sixteen-member board of directors guides the nonprofit, which raises funds supporting the monument, defends it against threats, mobilizes volunteers for site projects and represents users in the betterment of monument operations.

Like Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument sprang full-blown from private philanthropy, a word that means “love of mankind generally.” This 87,563-acre gift to the nation and Maine from the Roxanne Quimby family challenges citizens to honor and steward the natural and cultural bounty of the northern wilds. By engaging people in protecting these civic assets, Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters works, in gratitude, to extend and magnify the tradition of selflessness and generosity that informed the monument’s creation.

To join and become involved in Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, visit: https://www.friendsofkww.org.

On April 26, 2017, the President issued an Executive Order directing the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to review 27 National Monuments, including Katahdin Woods and Waters. During public comment period, over 99.96% of people who filed comments supported the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.  Following a visit to the region by DOI Secretary Ryan Zinke, the Board of Directors of the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters sent him the following detailed letter, strongly opposing the review of the Monument, or any attempt to alter its designation.

PRESS RELEASE
March 24, 2017

PATTEN – In light of recent calls to rescind the designation of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the board of directors of Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, a nonprofit charitable corporation formed to provide grants and other assistance to the monument, has affirmed its strong support of the monument’s permanent establishment under law and urges all of Maine’s local, state and federal officials to champion the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

The Friends group believes that the monument:

• Protects and preserves the beauty and ecological and natural features of the area, including the forests, waters, wildlife, and scenic views;
• Protects the historical and cultural legacy of the area;
• Provides a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and scenic drives; and
• Helps to reinvigorate the economic vitality of surrounding communities.

The mission of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality and distinctive cultural resources of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of all generations. The organization is member supported. To join or for more information, go to https://www.friendsofkww.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 28, 2017

Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters Group Forms

PATTEN – Six months after President Obama created a new national monument in Maine, a new nonprofit organization has formed to support Maine’s new national monument. Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters will work to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality and distinctive cultural resources of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of all generations.

The private group is not part of the National Park Service but intends to enter into an agreement to work collaboratively with and support the mission of the National Park Service that manages the monument.

“Initially, the friends group will focus on building volunteer opportunities, developing education programs and advocating for the monument,” said Lucas St. Clair, president of the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. “Eventually, the nonprofit organization will provide financial support for specific projects in the monument and surrounding communities, raise private funds to supplement—not replace—federal appropriations, protect the integrity of the monument and its resources, and speak for users in the betterment of monument operations.”

“Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument can become a first-class destination for visitors to northern Maine,” said Anita Mueller, vice president of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. “I look forward to working with the National Park Service to develop services, facilities and programs that will make the experience of visiting the national monument a wonderful, lifetime memory.”

“All of us at Friends of Acadia are excited by this announcement and want to welcome the Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters into the community of friends groups that help serve national parks and national monuments throughout the country,” said David MacDonald, president of Friends of Acadia in Bar Harbor Maine. “Friends of Acadia has received incredible support from volunteers, businesses, and surrounding communities who want to give back to Acadia, and public-private partnerships like this will only become more important in the future. We look forward to being a resource and partner with our friends to the north.” Friends of Acadia has granted more than $25 million to the park and surrounding communities since its founding in 1986 in support of dozens of projects, including youth programs, restoration of Acadia’s trails and carriage roads, and establishment of the fare-free Island Explorer bus system. (See www.friendsofacadia.org for more information).

“Already we have seen opportunities to partner with the National Park Service,” said Terry Hill from Mt. Chase. “This winter, our local snowmobile club partnered with the National Park Service to put new decking on two snowmobile bridges within the national monument. I look forward to working with the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters to find additional opportunities to improve the visitors’ experience at the national monument. We want to increase the number of people who are involved in making the monument better.”

“We know that the national monument has many valuable historical artifacts from the days when Native people traveled up the Penobscot for hunting and fishing to the storied times of log drives and paper making,” said Don Hudson, treasurer of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. “Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters could help the national monument protect those artifacts and tell those stories to thousands of visitors.”

“The national monument currently has some excellent hiking, paddling, biking and cross country skiing,” said Cathy Johnson, secretary of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. “But there could be much more. We look forward to helping the National Park Service identify and develop additional opportunities for active, outdoor recreation.”

“Congratulations to those who have established the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters,” said Tim Hudson, Superintendent of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. “I look forward to working in partnership with the group and its volunteers to make the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument a first class destination for visitors.”

The Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is launching with a thirteen-member board of directors with an immediate goal of attracting additional members. The public can join the group by going to https://www.friendsofkww.org.

“There has been an outpouring of support for the national monument since it was created,” said Molly Ross, from Arlington, VA. “Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters will provide a place for supporters from Maine to Mississippi to Montana and beyond to go to find out what is going on in the national monument and how they can help support it. People can go to www.katahdinwoodsandwaters.org right now to join.”

Current board members include: Terry Hill, Mt. Chase, ME; Don Hudson, Arrowsic, ME (treasurer); Cathy Johnson, Alna, ME (secretary); Dan Kleban, Freeport, ME; Peter Knight, New York, NY; Clint Linscott, East Millinocket, ME; Anita Mueller, Millinocket, ME (vice president); Ken Olson, Bass Harbor, ME; Matt Polstein, Millinocket, ME; Simon Roosevelt, New York, NY; Molly Ross, Arlington, VA; Lucas St. Clair, Portland, ME (president), and Howard Whitcomb, Brunswick, ME.