Clean Ohio Trail Fund

The Clean Ohio Trail Fund is a state-administered grant program operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to expand and enhance outdoor recreational trail opportunities across the state. The program originates from the broader Clean Ohio Fund initiative, which was approved by voters to support conservation, recreation, and revitalization efforts. The trail fund specifically focuses on creating and improving recreational trail systems, emphasizing connectivity, access, and long-term public benefit. It is funded through state capital budget allocations and bond proceeds, and is administered in consultation with an advisory board that helps guide project selection. The primary purpose of the program is to increase access to recreational trails and promote outdoor activities by funding projects that build new trails, acquire land or easements for trail corridors, and develop supporting infrastructure. The program prioritizes projects that connect existing trail systems, improve access in underserved communities, and contribute to regional or statewide trail networks. Eligible uses of funds include land acquisition, construction of new trails or connector trails, and certain associated costs such as engineering, design, environmental assessments, and surveys when directly tied to a specific trail project. Standalone planning or administrative costs are not eligible. The Clean Ohio Trail Fund operates as a reimbursement-based grant program, covering up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 25 percent match, which may include cash, donated land, materials, or eligible in-kind labor. All costs must be incurred within the project period and documented before reimbursement is issued. Projects must be completed within 15 months of entering into a formal agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and grantees must maintain the completed project for public use for at least 15 years. Eligible applicants include a range of public and nonprofit entities such as local governments, park districts, conservancy districts, soil and water conservation districts, and nonprofit organizations that operate public recreation facilities. School districts, colleges, and universities are not eligible applicants. Projects must be located on land owned, leased, or controlled through an easement by the applicant, with specific requirements for long-term control of the project site. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal by mail, including all required forms, maps, and supporting documentation. Applications undergo a multi-step evaluation process that includes eligibility review, site visits, and scoring by professional staff and an advisory board. Projects are evaluated based on criteria such as alignment with statewide trail plans, community need, connectivity, public participation, and overall project feasibility. Final funding decisions are approved by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and applicants are notified of results in the fall following the application deadline. The application deadline for the current cycle is March 16, 2026, and applications must be postmarked by that date. Following submission, projects are reviewed between March and August, with award announcements typically occurring in October or November. Once approved, applicants must enter into a formal agreement before beginning project work. The program is offered on a recurring annual basis, subject to state funding appropriations. For additional information or application support, applicants may contact the program manager at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The program provides guidance materials, including application instructions and procedural guides, to assist applicants in preparing competitive proposals. The Clean Ohio Trail Fund continues to play a significant role in expanding Ohio’s trail infrastructure and supporting outdoor recreation statewide.

Projects that demonstrate strong trail connectivity, alignment with statewide plans, and clear community need with documented public input are more competitive