The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF) conserves wildlife and open spaces through the sale of instant scratch lottery tickets. With proceeds, grants are awarded twice a year, totaling approximately $700,000 annually.
The MOHF was established in 1996 to help natural resource agencies and conservation groups fund projects over and above what is supported by their annual operating budgets.
The revenue from special scratch tickets [labeled as going toward the Maine Heritage Fund] are dedicated to the MOHF. The seven-member Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Board chooses projects in four categories that promote conservation of Maine’s fish and wildlife habitat, acquisition and management of special places, endangered species, and conservation law enforcement.
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) has been very fortunate to receive funding for two snowmobiles over the last couple of years. These snowmobiles are used for winter search and rescue operations, delivery of supplies to remote sections of the waterway, and to ensure compliance with AWW rules and regulations.
Allagash Rangers often work alone in some of the most isolated locations in the north woods of Maine. They need dependable snowmobiles to safely do their jobs. A rescue at a place like Allagash Lake can take several hours to complete. A dependable snowmobile is a must in these situations.
Over the last 10 years, the AWW has received funding for the following MOHF projects: GPS units, digital cameras, two satellite phones, MURS radios, an educational video series and, most recently, the two snowmobiles. These items have helped to better equip rangers, and provide valuable pre-trip information to waterway visitors.
The MOHF has supplied supplemental financial resources to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and other natural resource agencies for some very worthwhile projects over the years. To learn more about the MOHF and view a list of funded projects, go to: http://www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/grants/outdoor-heritage-fund.html
Rangers on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway are very thankful for the new snowmobiles purchased with grant money provided by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund.
Matthew LaRoche is superintendent of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The waterway is managed by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands. For information go to: www.maine.gov/allagash or call (207) 941-4014 for an information packet.
