A zinc mine proposed to be developed seven miles from Kathadin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine was blocked when a split state Land Use Planning Commission refused to rezone the land in question to allow for the operation.

Changes in visitor desires and habits, technology, and even interpretation are driving efforts to redefine the national park visitor center for the 21st century.

McKenzie Long is a rock climber, graphic designer, and writer who, inspired by the “contest” over the Bears Ears National Monument where she loved to climb in the Indian Creek basin, decided to visit a select group of national monuments to gain a deeper understanding of why and how they are contested.” Her travels take her from Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument to Hawaii, just beyond which is the vast Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Though more than a few criticisms about recreation.gov have been voiced by those who have been unable to land a campsite reservation through the online portal, the National Park Service believes adding Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument to the reservation system would benefit monument visitors.