Wyoming Recreational Trails Program Grant Program 2025

The Wyoming State Parks Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a grant initiative designed to provide funding for a diverse range of trail-related projects across Wyoming. This program aims to enhance and expand recreational trail opportunities, aligning with a broader mission to promote outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, and improve public access to trails. The funding for the RTP is derived from federal gas taxes paid on non-highway recreation fuel, emphasizing a user-pays, user-benefits model where funds are reinvested directly into the trail infrastructure that off-highway vehicle users, snowmobilers, and other recreationalists utilize. The RTP targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including local, state, and federal agencies, as well as qualifying non-profit organizations that own, manage, or have ongoing operational responsibility for trail properties. The impact goals are to support the creation, maintenance, and improvement of a sustainable network of recreational trails, thereby fostering healthier communities, promoting tourism, and preserving natural landscapes. Projects are expected to result in improved trail conditions, increased accessibility, enhanced safety, and greater public enjoyment of Wyoming's natural beauty. The program prioritizes several key areas for funding. Non-motorized projects have a maximum grant amount of $50,000, with winter trail grooming projects capped at $30,000, and a minimum of $10,000 for any RTP project. Motorized and diversified projects have funding amounts set at the discretion of the STP Manager, Recreation Grants Manager, and SPHST management, with WSTAC concurrence. The program employs a "Priority Multiplier" system for non-motorized RTP funds, with higher multipliers for maintenance or restoration of existing trails (1.5), development of trailside/trailhead facilities and linkages (1.4), and construction of new trails (1.4). Acquisition of easements or fee title to property holds a 1.2 multiplier, while community or hard-surfaced trail construction/maintenance has a 1.0 multiplier. These multipliers reflect the program's strategic focus on preserving and enhancing existing infrastructure while also allowing for new, well-planned development. Eligible projects are diverse, including routine maintenance, restoration, and improvement of existing trails (such as grooming over-snow trails and constructing maintenance facilities); development or rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities (including parking, shelters, toilets, and signage) that are directly conjoined with recreational trail use; construction of new trails (as permitted by law and approved by relevant federal agencies for federal lands); acquisition of easements or fee title for trail corridors from willing sellers; and construction or maintenance of community or hard-surfaced trails within cities or towns, or asphalt/concrete trails regardless of location. Projects solely within a community park setting are not eligible, emphasizing the program's focus on connecting trails and providing recreational access beyond confined park spaces. Expected outcomes include a robust and well-maintained trail system that serves a wide variety of recreational users, from hikers and bikers to snowmobilers and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. Measurable results will likely involve the number of miles of trails maintained or constructed, the number of new or improved trailside facilities, and increased public engagement with the trails. The program's strategic priorities are evident in the emphasis on maintenance and restoration, ensuring the longevity and usability of existing trails, while also supporting thoughtful expansion and the creation of essential supporting infrastructure like trailheads. The theory of change suggests that by strategically investing in trail infrastructure and related facilities, the program will lead to increased outdoor activity, improved public health, strengthened local economies through recreation and tourism, and a greater appreciation for Wyoming's natural resources.