S. 282 — Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act

This section provides definitions for terms used in the Act, including (1) “authorized acquisition area” as the designated area outside the boundary of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument depicted on the map entitled “Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Proposed Boundary Adjustment,” numbered 686/193,181, and dated March 2024; (2) “National Monument” as the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine established by Presidential Proclamation 9476 of August 24, 2016; (3) “Proclamation” as that proclamation; and (4) “Secretary” as the Secretary of the Interior.

This section establishes the boundaries of the National Monument as those set by the Proclamation and authorizes the Secretary to acquire land or interests in land within the authorized acquisition area by purchase from a willing seller, donation, or exchange, while prohibiting the use of eminent domain. Acquired land is automatically included in the National Monument, with boundaries adjusted accordingly.

This section directs the Secretary to administer the National Monument, including land added under the Act, in accordance with the Act, the establishing proclamation, and laws generally applicable to National Park System units. The section further (1) allows hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation on acquired land if the activity existed prior to acquisition and is consistent with proclamation management; (2) permits hand-gathering of fiddlehead ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) for noncommercial personal use, subject to limitations if the Secretary determines adverse resource impacts; (3) requires collaboration with local communities and Tribal governments for public education on the Monument's natural environment, history, Native practices, timber management, and related activities; (4) authorizes noncommercial timber harvests as necessary under the Monument's management plan; (5) preserves valid existing rights, including access through the Monument for timber removal outside its boundaries; and (6) requires safety education and procedures, developed with stakeholders, for visitor interactions with logging trucks, equipment, and operations on roads in or adjacent to the Monument.

This section authorizes the Secretary to acquire, by purchase from a willing seller, donation, or exchange, not more than 10 acres of land or interests in land outside the boundaries but within the vicinity of the National Monument for administration and visitor services. The section further authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with the State of Maine, Tribal or local governments, or private entities (1) to carry out these activities and (2) to develop a cooperative information center for the National Monument.