Home → About Us → Grants → Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund → About the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund
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 $156.4 million in grants have funded over 781 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 | William Beardsley Commissioner of Conservation |
| Jack Witham | Chandler Woodcock Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife |
| Peter Garrett |
Molly Docherty Natural Areas Program |
| Edye Cronk | |
| 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.
