Governor should take a hike

To the Editor;
I am very concerned and perplexed about Governor LePage trying to dismantle the Katahdin Woods and Waters Monument especially since it is already bringing increased travel to the economically battered region. This has brought more activity to retailers and campgrounds and has even increased property value.

For Governor LePage to say that the Monument will bring nothing to the Katahdin region’s economy is hard to comprehend. My husband and I hiked part of the Monument last summer and were thrilled with its beauty and potential. Along with the generous gift of land the Quimby’s included a $20 million endowment and will raise another $20 million which will add to trails, campsites and improvements. This will be gone if the Monument is dismantled. Do you think the state will put $40 million into this economically depressed area if the Monument returns to state hands?

Many people opposed at first are now seeing the potential that it could bring to the entire region as well as the state. It would not be in the best interest of the Maine people to dismantle Katahdin Woods and Waters.

The Quimby family gave us a tremendous gift to be preserved forever along with an endowment for improvements and care. Why we’d dismantle this is hard to comprehend?

I wish our governor would take the same hike we did along the East Branch and to experience the majestic beauty of the surroundings and perhaps he’d reconsider.
Andrea Thurlow
Atkinson