L.L. Bean to use DIF&W logo

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is partnering with Maine’s most iconic outfitter, L.L. Bean Inc., to carry merchandise that will help fund state outdoor education and marketing programs.

L.L. Bean’s main store in Freeport recently began selling hats, shirts and other apparel with DIF&W’s logo and embroidered depictions of brook trout, moose or other critters. Eventually, the apparel will bear L.L. Bean’s trademark label on the inside.

Proceeds from sales of DIF&W products at the store will go to the agency’s educational and promotional programs, such as the new Maine Fish and Wildlife Outdoors Radio that broadcasts information to travelers on the Maine Turnpike.

The department will receive $2 for every product produced by L.L. Bean.

DIF&W already has a similar partnership with Kittery Trading Post. That program, combined with sales of DIF&W merchandise at other locations, generated more than $70,000 for the department in recent years, said Bill Pierce, the DIF&W public relations representative who negotiated the agreement with L.L. Bean.

“There’s no shortage of where we can put this money,” Pierce said.

Merchandise with the DIF&W logo is currently for sale only at L.L. Bean’s Freeport location. However, Pierce said he hopes the items will soon be available online or in the company’s popular mail-order catalog. Pierce said L.L. Bean also plans to add more items carrying the logo.

Janet Wyper, community relations manager for L.L. Bean, said DIF&W merchandise has been “flying off” the company’s shelves since it first went on sale back in December. Wyper said the company was eager to help the department get its message out to a wider audience.

“Having an affiliation with L.L. Bean … is a great vehicle for promoting their mission,” Wyper said.

DIF&W is the state agency charged with protecting and managing Maine’s fish and wildlife populations as well as providing for “wise use” of the resources.