Financial contributions are clearly a great way to support our efforts, but we’d also welcome gifts of equipment that could match our current and future needs.  Here is a list of what we’re looking for:

Snowshoes – we would like to keep 4 pairs of snowshoes at each hut for guests to use while at the huts.  We are looking for basic snowshoes in good condition.

Wood splitter – we heat the huts and hot water with wood (using the Tarm wood-gasification boliers). We purchase wood from local landowners at tree length and use hut and trail staff to split and stack wood at the huts. A wood splitter is an essential part of our wood program. Consider making a $3,000 donation to us so we can make this purchase from a local provider.

Snowmobile – used for winter operations, trail grooming, emergency access, etc. We use the Skandic Sport Utility sleds (SWT model). We currently need one new sled for winter 2012. Consider purchasing this sled for us or make a $12,000 donation to us so we can make this purchase from a local provider.

Yurts – new for winter 2012, we would like to position a yurt at a location proximal to the halfway point between each of the three huts and between Grand Falls Hut and our new trailhead (to be built this fall) along Rte 201 in West Forks. These yurts would be available to trail users for day-use and will be outfitted with a table and chairs/benches, a woodstove and some firewood. These will become popular day-trip destinations and will be popular rest stops for those on hut-to-hut journeys. We recently received a donated yurt from Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington. Do you have a yurt in good condition that you could donate OR make a donation of $10,000 for us to purchase a yurt/platform.

Woodstove (2) – we are looking for two donated woodstoves to place in each of the halfway yurts. Donate a used (working) stove or make a $5,000 donation for us to purchase one from a local provider.

Reservations System Back-End Upgrade – consider making a $5,000 donation that would enable us to make a much needed upgrade to our reservations system.

Please contact Dave Herring, Executive Director, at (207) 265-2400 or dherring@mainehuts.org with questions or ideas or to discuss any of these opportunities.