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$20,000 grant to help improve areas of Appalachian Trail

AUGUSTA – The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) was awarded $20,083 in grant funding by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF) to support critical trail maintenance projects on one of the most heavily-trafficked sections of the Appalachian Trail.

Each year, MATC maintenance projects are led by the Maine Trail Crew, a group of skilled trail maintenance workers and volunteers who devote their summer to constructing important trail additions (like bridges and stairs) and making vital repairs. In addition to trail maintenance, the goals of the Maine Trail Crew are to supplement the efforts of other volunteers and trail-workers and spread trail building skills.

This MOHF grant, as well as additional support from the National Park Service Recreational Trails Program and the Quimby Family Foundation, make it possible for the Maine Trail Crew to complete its schedule of trail maintenance and upgrade projects at the following locations this summer:

Wilson Valley

Gulf Hagas Brook

Nahmakanta Stream/Wood Rat Spring

Rainbow Lake

East of Bald Mountain

In the past, using MOHF grant money, the Maine Trail Crew has constructed stone stairs and waterbars on Saddleback and Barren Mountains, installed hundreds of feet of bog bridges near Gulf Hagas, constructed more than 100 rock steps on the Hunt Trail near Katahdin, and more.

The Appalachian Trail has seen a skyrocketing rise in popularity over recent years. The growth in thru-hikers and trail traffic has put a significant strain on the AT’s infrastructure, which is already aging. It is estimated that 99% of the Appalachian Trail has been either renovated or rerouted since it opened in 1923. The amount of traffic that the AT is facing has accelerated trail erosion and deterioration, littering, and many similar issues. Organizations such as MOHF provide critical funding to MATC for vital projects to maintain and manage nearly 300 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine.

About Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund
Established by the Maine Legislature in 1996, the MOHF was created to administer grant funding for critical wildlife and conservation projects throughout Maine. Grants are funded through the sale of MOHF Scratch Lottery Tickets, available at lottery dealers statewide. Each year, the MOHF solicits proposals for grant funding totaling approximately $700,000 each year. The future of Maine’s outdoor heritage depends upon public support through the MOHF scratch ticket program. The more tickets sold, the more projects the MOHF is able to fund. FMI: Visit www.maine.gov/ifw/MOHF.html.

About Maine Appalachian Trail Club
The Maine Appalachian Trail Club manages and maintains the 267 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Founded in 1935, MATC is an all-volunteer, donor-supported nonprofit that welcomes new members and inspires respect for this natural treasure. FMI: Visit MATC at www.matc.org or on Facebook.

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