Off-Highway Vehicles Grant Program

The Nevada Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Grant Program is administered by the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the Commission on Off-Highway Vehicles. Established to promote responsible off-highway vehicle recreation, the program reinvests OHV registration revenue into projects that support trail development, maintenance, and safe recreational use across the state. The program is designed to ensure that funds generated by OHV users are directed back into Nevada’s public lands and trail systems for the benefit of the motorized recreation community. The purpose of the program is to fund projects that enhance, maintain, and expand OHV-related infrastructure and programs. Eligible projects include trail planning and development, mapping and signage, land acquisition, restoration of damaged areas, construction of trails and facilities, and efforts to protect environmentally sensitive areas. Additional eligible activities include safety training, public education, and enforcement initiatives that improve compliance with OHV regulations. As described in the grant manual on page 3, these project types are aligned with statutory requirements and are intended to support both recreational access and environmental stewardship. Funding for the program is derived from OHV registration fees, with approximately $1,000,000 available for the fiscal year. The number and size of awards are determined by the Commission based on available funds and the quality of submitted applications. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis, requiring applicants to initially cover project costs and then seek reimbursement with proper documentation. While matching funds are not required, applicants who demonstrate leveraged funding or partnerships may receive higher evaluation scores, as noted in the funding description on page 12. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as nonprofit organizations, off-road clubs, government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, and other community-based organizations. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the authority to carry out the proposed project and must provide documentation such as landowner approval and proof of good standing. Projects must be located within Nevada and must primarily benefit OHV users. Additional eligibility requirements include compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, including environmental and land use laws. The application process requires submission through the Nevada Infrastructure Finance System. Applicants must complete a detailed application that includes a project budget, landowner letter, maps, proof of eligibility, and supporting documentation such as photos. A mandatory training session is required for all applicants, and failure to attend may result in disqualification. The application period opened on March 23, 2026, and applications must be submitted by May 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. After submission, applications undergo a review process, followed by a feedback period allowing revisions before final evaluation. Applications are evaluated based on multiple criteria including project alignment with program priorities, quality of the scope of work, budget justification, and organizational capacity. According to the scoring criteria table on page 20, projects that demonstrate strong partnerships, clear objectives, and detailed deliverables receive higher scores. Final award decisions are made during a public Commission meeting, where applicants may be required to present their proposals and respond to questions. The grant period generally lasts up to two years from the issuance of a Notice to Proceed, and recipients must comply with reporting and monitoring requirements throughout the project lifecycle. Quarterly reporting is required, and final reimbursement is contingent upon successful project completion and inspection. While the program is recurring annually, future funding cycles depend on continued availability of OHV registration revenue and legislative authorization.

Ensure the project scope aligns clearly with the budget and allowable project types, and submit complete and well documented materials to avoid disqualification.