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

• Acquisition of easements and fee simple title for recreational trail corridors

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

How to Apply

The FY2024 cycle is OPEN. Applications are due no later than January 15th at 5:00PM MDT. Applications must be submitted through WebGrants: funding.mt.gov. Search for "FWP Recreational Trails Program Grant Cycle 2024" under Funding Opportunities. Applicants must have a WebGrants account to apply. (Please contract the program manager with any questions or issues)

• Watch: Recording of Webinar Training

  • 2024 Webinair PowerPoint Slides (PDF)

• Application Materials

  • 2024 RTP Application Guidance (PDF)

  • Catagorical Exclusion Form (PDF)

  • Catagorical Exclusion Form for USFS Lands (PDF)

  • Environmental Assessment (PDF)

Award Management

• 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

• 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