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Maine Towns Prepare for Nonbinding Votes on National Park

MEDWAY, Maine - Two Maine towns will soon host nonbinding referendums about a controversial proposal to create a national park east of Baxter State Park.

Medway's vote is scheduled for Tuesday and East Millinocket's is slated for Monday, June 29. The park would be made up of 75,000 acres owned by Roxanne Quimby, founder of Burt's Bees. Another 75,000 acres would be a recreation area.

Residents have vigorously debated the merits of the proposal park in recent meetings.

Supporters say it would create jobs, drive tourism and include recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping and fishing. Opponents cite a perceived loss of recreational access. Others say they don't want to turn land over to the National Park Service.