The purpose of the Wildlife Research Foundation is to educate the public about Maine's wildlife and be a catalyst for the development of new scientific research that will assist both public and private land managers and biologists more effectively manage habitat and populations for the future. The Goodman family in Patten, Maine, working in partnership with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, private landowners, and local guides, formed the foundation with their own time and resources in response to a continued decrease in public funding for this type of work, and recognition of how important wildlife is to rural and northern Maine's economy.