Paula Apro
2024 Hall of Fame Award:
Don Kleiner, Maine Outdoors
Don Kleiner is a Master Maine Guide who has been creating delightful outdoor memories for clients for over 38 years. Maine Outdoors has been incorporated in Union since 1987. Offering guided fishing and canoe trips in the area for primarily families and beginners. He formerly guided upland bird hunters out of Libby Camps in T8R9 (about 35 miles north of Baxter Park in the North Maine Woods) for twenty years.
Don is also the former executive director of the Maine Professional Guides Association performing a variety of duties for the organization including representing them in front of the Maine Legislature and state agencies. Having the opportunity to influence state policy in arenas important to the outdoor recreation industry was a great pleasure and responsibility.
Don served as the Director of Information and Education at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for four years. While there he was presented the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Ernest Thompson Seton Award as the individual deemed most responsible for its program that best promoted a public awareness of the need to support the science and practice of fish and wildlife management. Don twice received an Outstanding Service Award from the Maine Professional Guides Association.
Don has been part of many conservation and education organizations including the Maine Conservation School and the Ruffed Grouse Society. He recently completed his second term on the Land For Maine's Future Board.
Don currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Maine Tourism Association and in the past has been the board vice chair, chair and treasurer.
Don is also a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain who has a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science and has spent a lifetime learning outdoors.
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