Nearly $1 million is available for Recreational Trails Program and OHV Program grants in the state this year. Grant applications must be submitted to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks by July 1.

Grants from the Recreational Trails Program can be used for motorized and non-motorized, multiple use, community, rural and backcountry trails.

Three training sessions on how to prepare a successful grant application are scheduled:

Feb. 24,  Billings, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Big Sky Economic Development, 222 N. 32nd Street, 1st floor conf. room                                                     

March 11, Bozeman, 1-3 p.m., Montana State University, Lindley Center

March 11, Butte, 1-3 p.m.,  Holiday Inn Express, 1 Holiday Park

Off-Highway Vehicle Program funds can be used to maintain and rehabilitate existing OHV trails, but not to construct new routes. Other eligible projects  include education and information brochures, interpretive signs and materials and noxious weed control on trails.  

Public agencies and private trail clubs are eligible for the grants. FWP administers the grants with advice from citizen’s trails advisory committees, and assists with trail design and management.

Applications for these grants will be available beginning Feb. 24 on the FWP web page at fwp.mt.gov. Click on Parks and Recreation and look on the Grants page.

For details on the Recreational Trails Program email bwalker@mt.gov , or call 444-4585. For details on the OHV Program email rpaige@mt.gov, or call 444-7317.