September 1, 2015 — Maine Gov. Paul LePage sent letters to President Barack Obama and members of the state’s congressional delegation to express his opposition to any efforts to designate certain Gulf of Maine and forest areas as national monuments.
In question are an undersea mountain range named Cashes Ledge and its environs, which conservationists consider a crucial refuge for the dwindling Atlantic cod population, as well as Millinocket-area land eyed by some as a potential spot for a national park.
While supporters of the designations argue they would advance important natural preservation efforts and — in the case of the national park — boost tourism and jobs, the governor and other opponents worry the moves would too greatly restrict the state’s commercial fishing and forest products industries.
But was a national monument designation ever likely for either location?
There are no national monuments currently in the state of Maine. Would Obama create one?
We’ll review some basics about national monuments and their history to help flesh out that discussion.
Read the full story at Bangor Daily News
Read the letter from Gov. LePage to President Obama