Non-Motorized Trails

The Non-Motorized Trails Grant supports a wide range of recreational trail projects intended for non-motorized activities on both land and water. Administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the grant serves as a resource for federal and state agencies, county and municipal governments, municipal agencies, nonprofit entities, and for-profit organizations seeking to invest in recreational infrastructure. The fund encourages the development, acquisition, planning, maintenance, and educational initiatives associated with non-motorized trails to promote environmental stewardship, public health, and accessible outdoor recreation. The funding can be used for a variety of project types including trail acquisition, where the applicant acquires a fee simple title or a perpetual easement for developing trail systems and associated facilities. Planning projects are also eligible, allowing recipients to assess the feasibility and outline actionable plans for future trail development. Development, rehabilitation, or maintenance initiatives can focus on constructing new trails or improving existing trail infrastructure for sustained recreational use. The program also covers equipment purchases or leases explicitly for maintaining or constructing non-motorized trails and their related facilities. Lastly, educational programming that promotes environmental safety and protection related to trail use is eligible. Applicants must fulfill several preliminary steps before applying. This includes obtaining a valid Non-Procurement Vendor Identification Number and a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Projects involving land acquisition or donation require a certified appraisal report consistent with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). In some cases, a Waiver of Retroactivity must be requested in writing to DCNR’s Central Office prior to the project’s initiation. All projects must adhere to the guidance documents and checklists specific to the trail type, such as acquisition, planning, or equipment purchase, which are provided by DCNR. DCNR provides multiple resources to aid applicants through the process, including grant workshop tutorial videos and detailed instruction documents such as the “Ready-To-Go Checklist” and the “Non-Motorized Trail Development Drawing Checklist.” These resources are designed to ensure applicants prepare complete and compliant submissions. Submissions are made through DCNR’s online grant portal and must be completed prior to the deadline. The grant application must be submitted before 4:00 PM on April 2, 2025. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. The fund does not explicitly mention if it is recurring or if there will be future cycles. No contact name, email, or phone number is specified in the provided material, which applicants will need to verify by consulting DCNR’s official channels or regional advisors. Overall, the Non-Motorized Trails Grant is a robust opportunity for agencies and organizations focused on outdoor recreation, sustainability, and public engagement through trail infrastructure. The clear segmentation of project types, required pre-application steps, and comprehensive guidance materials are designed to streamline the process for applicants with diverse trail development goals.