Recreational Trails Program

The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded grant program administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Since its inception in 1993, the program has provided financial assistance for more than 500 trail projects across Oregon. It is supported by the Federal Highway Administration and designed to expand, restore, and maintain both motorized and non-motorized trail infrastructure and their associated facilities. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department serves as the official administrator for the state’s allocation, ensuring that the program aligns with Oregon’s outdoor recreation and accessibility standards. The purpose of the Recreational Trails Program is to fund the development and enhancement of trail systems that increase recreational access, support tourism, and promote environmental stewardship. Eligible projects include new trail construction, major rehabilitation of existing trails, development or improvement of trailheads and related support facilities, acquisition of land or easements for trail use, and educational or safety initiatives related to trail use. The program encompasses all trail types—motorized, non-motorized, and water trails—supporting activities such as hiking, biking, equestrian riding, off-highway vehicle use, snowmobiling, and boating. Funding for the program averages approximately $1.6 million annually. A minimum of 30 percent of the total allocation is reserved for motorized trail projects, and the remaining funds are divided among non-motorized and diverse trail categories. Applicants may request a minimum of $10,000, with a recommended maximum of $200,000 for non-motorized proposals. Motorized trail projects have no maximum request limit. All applicants must provide a minimum 20 percent match, which may include cash, volunteer labor, donated materials, or equipment. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, and recipients typically have two years to complete their project scope. Eligible applicants include local, state, federal, and Tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations that have been registered with the Oregon Secretary of State for at least three years before applying. Projects must comply with environmental and cultural resource review requirements and adhere to all applicable state and federal accessibility standards. Applications must be submitted online through the OPRD Grants portal, where users can create accounts and access required forms such as the Land Manager Approval Form, Land Use Compatibility Statement, Environmental Screening Form, and Project Timeline Template. The 2025 application cycle opened September 2, 2025, with Letters of Intent due October 15, 2025, and full applications due November 15, 2025. The RTP Advisory Committee will meet in March 2026 to evaluate and score submissions, and funding recommendations will be forwarded to the OPRD Commission for approval in April 2026. Workshops and webinars are offered to assist applicants, and detailed guidance is available in the RTP Policy Manual and Grant Manual. Applications are evaluated based on project readiness, alignment with program goals, public benefit, resource protection, and accessibility. Successful applicants must submit progress and reimbursement reports through the online system and comply with reporting standards specified in Section 5 of the RTP Policy Manual. Contact for the program is Jodi Bellefeuille, Program Coordinator, at 503-856-6316, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, Oregon 97301.

Ensure match documentation and required environmental review forms are complete prior to submission.