Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act

Bill Number: S. 282
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Passed Senate
Latest Action: 2026-02-10: Subcommittee Hearings Held
Last Updated: 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act aims to expand access to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine by authorizing the acquisition of additional land and enhancing management practices. Established in 2016 by presidential proclamation, the monument protects natural and cultural resources while supporting local traditions and recreation.

Key Provisions

Land Acquisition (Section 3): The Secretary of the Interior may acquire land or property interests within a designated "authorized acquisition area" (outside the current monument boundaries, as shown on a specific map) through voluntary methods like purchase from willing sellers, donations, or exchanges. Eminent domain (forced government takeover of private property) is explicitly prohibited. Acquired land is incorporated into the monument, with boundaries adjusted accordingly.
Administration and Management (Section 4): The monument, including new lands, will be managed under this Act, the 2016 proclamation, and general National Park System laws. Key allowances include:
Continued hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities on acquired land if they existed before acquisition and align with monument management.
Hand-gathering of fiddlehead ferns (a type of edible plant) for personal, noncommercial use by the public, with restrictions if it harms monument resources.
Public education programs in collaboration with local communities and Tribal governments, focusing on the area's natural history, Native American influences, timber management, and other land uses.
Limited noncommercial timber harvesting as needed under the monument's management plan.
Protection of existing rights, such as access roads for timber removal from outside the monument.
Public safety measures, including education on interacting with logging operations and collaborative procedures to ensure safe road use for visitors, loggers, and others.
Administrative Sites and Facilities (Section 5): The Secretary may acquire up to 10 acres of land outside but near the monument for administrative purposes and visitor services. Agreements can be made with the State of Maine, Tribal or local governments, or private entities to support these efforts and develop a cooperative information center.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Expands the monument's boundaries beyond the 2016 proclamation by allowing voluntary acquisition of adjacent lands, potentially increasing protected area without altering core establishment rules.
Introduces specific permissions for traditional activities like fern gathering and pre-existing recreation on new lands, which were not explicitly detailed in the original proclamation.
Adds requirements for public safety protocols around logging, enhancing coordination not previously mandated.
Permits limited administrative land purchases outside boundaries, providing new flexibility for operations while prohibiting eminent domain to respect property rights.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The National Park Service (under the Department of the Interior) gains authority to expand and manage the monument more effectively, including new education and safety programs, but must collaborate with locals and adhere to voluntary acquisitions, which could limit rapid expansion.
Citizens: Improves regional access for recreation, hunting, fishing, and fern gathering, benefiting Maine residents and tourists. Enhances safety on shared roads but may introduce minor restrictions on resource use if conservation needs arise.
Local Economy and Environment: Supports timber industry access while allowing limited harvests, balancing conservation with economic activities. No direct international relations impacts, as the focus is domestic land management.
Overall, promotes sustainable use of natural resources, potentially boosting tourism and education without disrupting existing operations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and National Park Service, responsible for acquisitions, administration, and compliance.
State and Local Entities: State of Maine, local communities, and governments, involved in collaborations for education, facilities, and safety.
Tribal Governments: Native American tribes in the region, partnering on public education about cultural history.
Private Sector and Individuals: Willing landowners (for sales/donations), timber companies (protected access and safety measures), and the general public (recreation and gathering rights).
Environmental and Recreation Groups: Beneficiaries of expanded protection and access, with input on management.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Property Rights: The ban on eminent domain aligns with constitutional protections under the Fifth Amendment (requiring just compensation for takings), emphasizing voluntary participation to avoid legal challenges.
Federalism: Encourages partnerships with state, local, and Tribal entities, respecting state authority over adjacent lands while advancing federal conservation goals.
Conservation Balance: Reinforces the Antiquities Act (which allows presidential monuments) by integrating local uses, potentially reducing political tensions over federal land designations in rural areas like Maine.
No major constitutional controversies anticipated, as the Act builds on existing proclamation authority without overriding broader environmental laws. Politically, it may foster bipartisan support by addressing access and economic concerns in monument management.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]

Recent Actions

2026-02-10: Subcommittee Hearings Held
2026-02-03: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
2026-02-02: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
2025-06-23: Held at the desk.
2025-06-23: Received in the House.
2025-06-23: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
2025-06-18: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (text: CR S3459)
2025-06-18: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
2025-06-18: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3458)
2025-06-18: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
2025-01-28: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
2025-01-28: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act — issued 2025-06-18 — PDF (8 pages)
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act — issued 2025-01-28 — PDF (6 pages)
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act — issued 2026-02-02 — PDF (7 pages)