Moose lottery to be held in Fort Kent

The 2009 Maine Moose Permit Lottery drawing will be held Thursday, June 18 at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. The drawing of names will begin at 6 p.m. at UMFK's Sports Center, located on 23 University Drive, in Fort Kent, according to Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife commissioner Danny Martin. "This annual event usually draws a large crowd of outdoor enthusiasts, and folks that have applied for the moose hunt," Martin said. "I want to thank UMFK President Richard Cost for hosting this year's event, and a special thanks to Senator Troy Jackson and Representative John Martin for helping to coordinate the drawing." The drawing was held at the opposite end of the state last year, at the Kittery Trading Post in Kittery. This is the first time the lottery drawing has been held in the St. John Valley. Since 1999, the Moose Permit Lottery Drawing has been held at different locations throughout the state, including Millinocket, Boothbay Harbor, Old Town, Bucksport, Scarborough, Presque Isle, Rumford and Phippsburg. According to Martin, a planning committee comprised of local officials and citizens from the St. John Valley and Aroostook County will be formed to help organize the drawing. The Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce will be assisting in helping to promote the event.