AUGUSTA – The Outdoor Heritage board awarded $549,108 in grants recently to 20 projects across the state from the sale of the “outdoor” instant lottery ticket.

The program was established in 1995 by the Maine Legislature to provide an additional source of funding for conservation and recreation projects across the state. Since the tickets first went on sale in 1996, the fund has awarded more than $10.5 million to 385 projects statewide. The following area project received funding:

Conservation Stewardship Access: Acquisition of a new 20-foot boat and 50 horsepower engine for safe, reliable transportation to conservation lands in the Rangeley Lakes region. Partner: Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, Maine DOC. Location: Franklin and Oxford counties. Grant: $9,980.

Outdoor Heritage grants are awarded twice each year. Nonprofit organizations may apply in partnership with one of the state’s natural resource agencies.

Grants are distributed in four categories: fisheries and wildlife conservation, acquisition and management of public lands, endangered and threatened species conservation and natural resources law enforcement.

The deadline for the next round of proposals is March 1. To learn more, call 688-4191 or visit the Web site at www.state.me.us/ifw/outdoorheritage.

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