Federal Lands Subcommittee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill, known as the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire additional land for the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine. The Secretary may acquire land or interests in land within a designated "authorized acquisition area" through purchase from willing sellers, donation, or exchange. Crucially, the use of eminent domain for these acquisitions is explicitly prohibited. Once acquired, these lands will be incorporated into the National Monument, and its boundaries will be adjusted to reflect the expansion. The bill mandates that the Secretary administer the expanded monument in accordance with existing laws and the original proclamation, while also introducing specific management directives. It ensures that hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation activities pre-existing on acquired lands will continue. Furthermore, the bill permits the noncommercial gathering of fiddlehead ferns and directs the Secretary to collaborate on public education regarding the monument's natural and cultural history. Provisions are also included for public safety around logging operations and the potential acquisition of administrative sites and visitor facilities outside the monument boundary.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (text: CR S3459)
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3458)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Held at the desk.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Environmental educationForests, forestry, treesGeography and mappingHorticulture and plantsHunting and fishingIntergovernmental relationsLand transfersMaineMonuments and memorialsOutdoor recreationParks, recreation areas, trails
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act
USA119th CongressS-282| Senate
| Updated: 2/10/2026
This bill, known as the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire additional land for the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine. The Secretary may acquire land or interests in land within a designated "authorized acquisition area" through purchase from willing sellers, donation, or exchange. Crucially, the use of eminent domain for these acquisitions is explicitly prohibited. Once acquired, these lands will be incorporated into the National Monument, and its boundaries will be adjusted to reflect the expansion. The bill mandates that the Secretary administer the expanded monument in accordance with existing laws and the original proclamation, while also introducing specific management directives. It ensures that hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation activities pre-existing on acquired lands will continue. Furthermore, the bill permits the noncommercial gathering of fiddlehead ferns and directs the Secretary to collaborate on public education regarding the monument's natural and cultural history. Provisions are also included for public safety around logging operations and the potential acquisition of administrative sites and visitor facilities outside the monument boundary.
Federal Lands Subcommittee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Environmental educationForests, forestry, treesGeography and mappingHorticulture and plantsHunting and fishingIntergovernmental relationsLand transfersMaineMonuments and memorialsOutdoor recreationParks, recreation areas, trails