Application Cycles Open For Recreation Grants

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is accepting applications for more than $1.3 million in recreation grants. Applications will be accepted for the Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program, the Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program and the Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program.

Applications can be submitted through the online system at funding.mt.gov. Application deadlines vary and are noted below.

The federal Recreational Trails Program grant cycle opened Nov. 1; more information can be found at https:// fwp. m t . gov/aboutfwp/ grant-programs/recreational- trails. * Trail Stewardship Grant Program: The Trail Stewardship Program is a state-funded grant program that awards funding to construction and maintenance projects of motorized and nonmotorized trails or trail-related facilities.

Applications accepted: Nov. 15 – Jan. 31, 2023 Awards announced: April Contracts issued and projects begin: June/July Anticipated funding available for awards: $1,200,000 More information: https:// fwp. m t . gov/aboutfwp/ grant-programs/trail-stewardship * Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program: A grant program funded through the creation of the OHV Trail Pass.

This is the program’s second grant cycle. The program will award funds to non-federal entities for the maintenance of OHV trails on public lands.

Applications accepted: Nov. 15 – Feb. 28, 2023 Awards announced: May Contracts issued and projects begin: July Anticipated funding available for awards: $153,000 More information: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/ grant-programs/summer- motorized-trail-pass * Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program: This is a state-funded grant program. This program provides project funding with the goal of enhancing and maintaining OHV recreational opportunities for the benefit of OHV enthusiasts in Montana.

Applications accepted: Nov. 15 – February 28, 2023 Awards announced: May Contracts issued and projects begin: July Anticipated funding available for awards: $230,000 More information: https:// fwp. m t . gov/aboutfwp/ grant-programs/off-highway- vehicle A virtual training session will be offered for prospective applicants of the Trail Stewardship Grant Program on Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. This session is free and highly recommended for new and returning applicants. The training will cover all eligibility requirements, provide tips on writing a competitive application and using the grant management software. A Zoom link to the training can be found on the Trail Stewardship Grant Program webpage, and the recording will be posted on the page for those who can’t make the live event. https://fwp.mt.gov/ aboutfwp/grant-programs/ trail-stewardship Training sessions will be offered as needed for prospective applicants of the Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program and Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Programs.

For more information on attending a grant application training session or applying to one of these opportunities, visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/ aboutfwp/grant-programs.

For questions about the Trail Stewardship Grant Program, contact Tom Lang at tom.lang@mt.gov.

For questions about the Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program and the Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program, contact Seth McArthur at SMcArthur@mt.gov.