About the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund

History

Concerned about a lack of funding for projects that conserve the outdoors for Maine people and wildlife, the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine and the Maine Audubon Society joined forces in 1994 to address the problem. Their referendum campaign to establish a Lottery ticket dedicated to conservation was so successful that the Legislature implemented the program on its own, bypassing the need for a referendum.

Since tickets first went on sale in January, 1996, over $13 million in grants have funded over 500 projects. Tickets are available at most convenience stores, gas stations and other outlets where Maine State Lottery tickets are sold.

Grants are awarded twice each year by a seven-member board appointed by the Governor. Grant application deadlines are March 1 and September 1 of each year.

Board Members

The Legislature created the seven-member board with three permanent members: the Commissioner of Conservation, the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Coordinator of the Natural Areas Program. Four citizen members are appointed by the Governor to staggered terms: one from a state sportsman's organization, one from a state wildlife conservation organization and one working in a field related to natural resources.

Citizen Members	Permanent Members
Thomas Urquart, Chairman	Patrick McGowan Commissioner of Conservation
Charles F. Beck	Roland D. Martin Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Edye Cronk Sportsman's Alliance of Maine	Molly Docherty Natural Areas Program
Aram Calhoun Maine Audubon Society
Staff
Carol Gay, Secretariat

How to Apply for Grants
Grant Application Materials

How to Reach Us

For more information, contact Carol Gay, Secretariat, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, at mohf@gwi.net or call (207) 458-8421.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

About the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund

History