Water Resources Inventory and Assessment at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

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Established in 2016, the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (KAWW) protects over 87,000 acres in Northern Maine. This includes over 193 miles of rivers and streams and nearly 300 acres of lakes and ponds, which are mostly located within one of the least-developed watersheds in the continental U.S.—the East Branch Penobscot Watershed.

The newly designated National Monument is lacking an official water resource inventory and has relatively unknown surface and groundwater resources. KAWW encompasses the East Branch of the Penobscot River system, including its major tributaries, the Seboeis River and Wassataquoik Stream. These water resources are significant to the cultural landscape and serve as a major recreational attraction. National Monument staff are actively working to develop infrastructure which may subject the pristine natural environment to a range of anthropogenic impacts.

This comprehensive research synthesis of existing critical water-resource information within the KAWW and contributing associated watersheds will help identify critical watershed areas and habitats in need of protection. This information is vital for assessing impacts of new infrastructure and steering mitigation efforts related to it. Additionally, an inventory and assessment of streams, ponds, vernal pools, groundwater, and wetlands in the monument is a necessary first step prior to developing a monitoring plan that could help guide management activities to protect these resources over time.