Fed recreational trail program application deadline is March 1

The deadline to apply for Federal Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grants has changed from May 1 to March 1 annually.

This change is occurring because the RTP grant program guidance and application will no longer be combined with the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Assistance Program and the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant programs.

The goal of the federal Recreational Trails Program is to encourage the maintenance, rehabilitation and development of trails and trail-side amenities by providing cost-sharing assistance to governmental units and qualified trail organizations. Funding is available for both motorized and non-motorized trails.

RTP Grants are facilitated by DNR staff in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and through funding appropriated to Wisconsin via the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.

Grant application materials are now available at dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/rtp.html. See the “Applying” tab in the center of the webpage for guidance and forms. The deadline to apply is March 1.