Program Specifics

The Trail Stewardship Program was established following the 2019 Legislative Session when Senate Bill 24 was passed into law. Funding for TSP comes from a portion of Montana’s $9 light vehicle registration fee, as well as a portion of marijuana tax revenue. Since its establishment TSP has awarded approximately $7.6 million to over 180 projects across the state focused on the development, renovation, and maintenance of trails and trailside facilities.

 

Public Comment Opportunity

2026 Trail Stewardship Program Grant Award Comment Period

FWP is seeking public comments on the proposed awards for the 2026 Trail Stewardship Program (TSP) grant cycle. This year the program is recommending $2,000,000 in awarded grant funds to fifty-one projects around the state.

Applications were submitted by towns, cities, counties, federal agencies, recreational clubs, and nonprofit organizations. Projects include maintenance and development of a wide variety of urban, rural, and backcountry trails, construction of new trails and facilities, as well as winter grooming of snowmobile and cross-country ski trails.

Lists of proposed projects and grant recipients are located below. The Routine Impact projects list highlights projects that maintain existing trails or trail related facilities while the list of Unique Impact projects details new trail or trail related facility construction. If you would like more information about any of these projects, please contact TSPGrants@mt.gov.

Proposed Projects:

• Routine Impact Projects (PDF)

• Unique Impact Projects (PDF)
   

Deadline: Comment by May 15, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Mail comments to:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Attn. Trail Stewardship Program
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701

Or email: TSPGrants@mt.gov

 

How to Apply

The 2026 application cycle is now closed. Updated information on how to apply and details about the 2027 application cycle will be available next fall.

• 2026 Application Guidlines (PDF)

 

Eligible Funding Areas

• New trail and shared-use path construction

• Rehabilitation and maintenance of trails and paths, including winter grooming 

• Construction and maintenance of trailside and trailhead facilities

Financial Requirements

• Maximum award: $100,000

  • No minimum award amount

• Match Requirement: 10% of total project costs

 

TSP Application Technical Assistance Training

• Watch: Recording of Grant Application Overview Webinar

TSP Application Forms & Resources

• TSP Environmental Review Form (PDF)

• TSP Equipment Purchase Application Supplement (.dox)

• TSP Scoring Criteria (PDF)

• Universal Access & Design Resources (PDF)

• Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (PDF)

Award Management

• WebGrants Claim & Status Report Instructions (PDF)

• TSP Grooming Guidance (PDF)

Past Award Recipients

• 2025 Decision Notice and Award Recipients (PDF)

• 2024 Decision Notice and Award Recipients (PDF)

• 2023 Decision Notice and Award Recipients (PDF)

• 2022 Decision Notice and Award Recipients (PDF)

• 2021 Award Recipients (PDF)

 

Program Contact

Hunter Harridge, TSP Program Manager

406-444-3343

TSPGrants@mt.gov