WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree has written to President Barack Obama to encourage him to create a national monument in northern Maine.

In her letter, the Maine Democrat said Tuesday that she believes a proposal to donate 87,500 acres by a foundation created by the co-founder of Burt’s Bees is supported by “most people in the region and throughout the state.”

Her letter came on the eve of a congressional field hearing Wednesday in East Millinocket that underscores how partisan the issue has become.

Republican Rep. Rob Bishop, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, opposes the use of presidential authority to create national monuments. The event will feature four speakers opposed to the proposal, with opening remarks from another opponent, Maine Gov. Paul LePage.