Wyoming Recreational Trails Program Grant Program 2025

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant is administered in Wyoming by Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails, a state agency responsible for managing outdoor recreation resources across the state. This program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration using revenues derived from federal gas taxes paid on fuel used in off-highway vehicles. The program is designed to support the development, maintenance, and enhancement of recreational trail systems throughout Wyoming, including both motorized and non-motorized trail uses. By leveraging federal funding administered at the state level, the program ensures that trail infrastructure aligns with both national transportation goals and local recreational needs. The primary purpose of the RTP grant is to fund trail-related projects that improve access, safety, sustainability, and user experience across Wyoming’s trail networks. Eligible projects generally include construction of new trails, restoration of existing trails, development of trailhead facilities, signage, and other infrastructure that supports recreational use. The program emphasizes projects that benefit a wide range of users, including off-highway vehicle riders, snowmobilers, hikers, and other outdoor recreation participants. Funding must be used specifically for trail-related purposes and must comply with federal guidelines governing allowable costs and environmental considerations. The application process for the RTP grant includes a structured, multi-phase submission system. Applicants are first required to submit a pre-application package by a specified deadline. This pre-application is reviewed by program staff, and applicants receive feedback regarding eligibility and readiness to proceed. Only after this review phase are applicants encouraged to submit a full application package. The final application includes detailed project descriptions, budgets, and required supporting documentation such as risk assessment questionnaires and agency consent forms. The process may transition to an online submission platform in future cycles, although this is not yet confirmed. The timeline for the FY 2027 grant cycle is clearly defined. The application process opens in May 2026, with pre-applications due by September 1, 2026. Feedback is provided in the second week of September, and final applications are due by October 1, 2026. Funding recommendations are reviewed by the Trails Advisory Council in November, and applicants are notified of award decisions in December 2026. Approved projects may begin receiving a Notice to Proceed as early as May 2027. This structured timeline ensures transparency and allows applicants to plan accordingly. While specific eligibility requirements are not fully detailed in the provided materials, the program is intended for entities capable of managing trail-related projects within Wyoming. This likely includes government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other entities involved in land or recreation management. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to complete projects in compliance with federal and state requirements and may be required to provide supporting documentation verifying organizational readiness and risk management practices. The RTP program involves oversight and evaluation by the Trails Advisory Council, which reviews applications and makes funding recommendations. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined in the provided content but likely include project feasibility, community impact, alignment with program goals, and readiness to proceed. Applicants interact with program staff throughout the process and may seek guidance from designated contacts, including the Grants Manager and Grants Specialist, whose email addresses are provided for direct communication. Overall, the Recreational Trails Program grant represents a recurring funding opportunity that supports the continued development of Wyoming’s outdoor recreation infrastructure. With a clearly defined application process, structured review system, and federal funding support, the program plays a critical role in enhancing trail systems across the state while promoting safe and sustainable recreational access.

Ensure pre-application completeness and alignment with RTP guidelines to advance to full application; incorporate feedback from review phase