Outdoor Recreation Planning Assistance Program

The Outdoor Recreation Planning Assistance (ORPA) Program is an initiative of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR), made possible through a one-time $2.5 million allocation from the Outdoor Adventure Commission (OAC) for the 2026 grant cycle. The purpose of this program is to enhance the capacity of local governments and other eligible entities in Utah to plan and develop outdoor recreation projects. It represents a shift from previous years, where support was limited to technical assistance from DOR staff, by now offering direct funding to support community planning efforts. The ORPA Program supports a wide range of eligible projects that are directly related to outdoor recreation. These include feasibility and trail alignment studies, NEPA and other environmental assessments, cultural and biological surveys, and the development of community outreach strategies. The program also funds stakeholder facilitation, master planning assistance, wayfinding design, conceptual trail and site design, and strategies to mitigate visitor use impacts. Additionally, the program supports mapping, funding strategies, land-use scenario development, trail etiquette strategies, and field data collection. Engineering services and construction design are also eligible for funding, but may require a financial match. This grant program is designed to help local and regional partners scope and prepare projects for procurement, including the development of requests for proposals or quotes. By funding these early-phase planning efforts, the ORPA program aims to catalyze well-prepared and community-supported outdoor recreation projects that will enhance the quality of life, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality across the state of Utah. Eligibility for the 2026 ORPA grant includes municipalities, counties, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and Native American tribal governments. No financial match is required for most project types, with the exception of detailed engineering and construction design services, which may necessitate cost-sharing. This inclusive eligibility structure is designed to maximize participation across various sectors and jurisdictions engaged in outdoor recreation planning. Applications for the 2026 grant cycle will be accepted from April 6 through May 15, 2026. The program does not have pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult the 2026 ORPA Program Guide for full program details. The application window is fixed and not rolling, and while the program has been funded for 2026, no recurring cycle has yet been confirmed beyond this allocation. Therefore, applicants are advised to treat this as a one-time opportunity unless future announcements indicate continuation. To assist prospective applicants, the DOR offers mini-consultations that can include site visits or virtual meetings to help communities clarify project scopes, identify resources, and receive feedback on planning ideas. These consultations can be scheduled directly through a provided booking link or by contacting Emily Meadows, the Statewide Recreation Planning Coordinator, at [email protected]. All funded planning efforts must be directly tied to outdoor recreation, and the application process is designed to be accessible while ensuring projects are well-scoped and impactful.