Program Specifics

FWP administers the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), a federally funded grants program that supports Montana’s trails.

The RTP funds come from the Federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the motor fuel excise tax collected from nonhighway recreational fuel use: fuel used for off-highway recreation by snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-highway light trucks.

FWP collaborates with the State Trails Advisory Committee to review the RTP applicants each year.

Funding

Approximately $1.5 million is made available each year.

• Maximum award: $100,000

• Match Requirement: 20% of total project costs

Eligibility

RTP applicants can include federal, tribal, state, county or city agencies, private associations and clubs including nonprofits. Examples of eligible projects include:

• Maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails

• Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages

• Purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment

• Construction of new recreational trails

• Development and dissemination of publications and operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection

How to Apply

The RTP application cycle is currently OPEN from November 15th, 2024 to January 15th, 2025 3:00 PM MT

• 2025 RTP Application Guildlines (PDF)
• Applications are completed used WebGrants. the 2025 Recreational Trails Program Application will become avaliable under "Funding Opportunities" on November 15th. New organizations wishing to apply will need to create an account. Instructions on how to create a create a new account can be found in the WebGrants Guidance document (PDF).
• Environmental Review Documents for Application (Please see Application Guidlines to determine which document you may need to complete for your project)
  • Environmental Analysis Form (PDF)
  • RTP Catagorical Exclusion Form (PDF)
  • RTP Categorical Exclusion Form for Forest Service Lands (PDF)
• RTP Training Materials:
  • PowerPoint Slides (PDF)

Award Management

• 2024 RTP Grantee Guidelines (PDF)

• 2023 RTP Grantee Guidelines  (PDF)

• 2022 RTP Grantee Guidelines (PDF)

• WebGrants Grantee Guidance (PDF)

• Travel and Personal Property Reimbursement Form (.xls)

• RTP Limited Solicitation Form (PDF)

• Volunteer Hours Form (PDF)

Past Recipients

• 2024 Award Recipients (PDF)

• 2023 Award Recipients (PDF)

• 2022 Award Recipients (PDF)

• 2021 Award Recipients (PDF)

• 2020 Award Recipients (PDF)

Program Contact

Stephanie Clemen, RTP Program Manager

Stephanie.adamsclemen@mt.gov
406-444-5898