EAST MILLINOCKET (AP) — Led by Gov. Paul LePage, critics of a proposed national monument in northern Maine sounded off Wednesday during a congressional field hearing.
The Republican governor derided the proposed 87,500-acre gift as a “cutover” forest lot and criticized those seeking to donate the land as a “wealthy family seeking to create a legacy.” A foundation created by Burt’s Bees co-founder Roxanne Quimby has offered to donate the land.
The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee held the congressional field hearing in East Millinocket a day after Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree wrote to President Barack Obama to encourage him to create a national monument east of Baxter State Park.
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