Recreational Trails Program

The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded grant initiative administered in Ohio by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. The program originates from federal transportation legislation that allocates funding derived from fuel taxes associated with off-highway recreational vehicles. Its primary purpose is to support the development, maintenance, restoration, and expansion of recreational trail systems across the state. The program is designed to enhance public access to outdoor recreation while promoting environmental stewardship, safety education, and multi-use trail connectivity for both motorized and non-motorized users. Funding through this program is provided on a reimbursement basis, covering up to 80 percent of eligible project costs. Applicants must therefore demonstrate the financial capacity to front project expenses and subsequently request reimbursement with appropriate documentation. Eligible uses of funds include new trail construction, rehabilitation of existing trails, development of trailhead and trailside facilities such as parking and signage, acquisition of land or easements for trail corridors, and educational initiatives that promote safety and environmental awareness. However, certain limitations apply, such as restrictions on equipment purchases for the 2026 cycle and a cap on educational program funding at a small percentage of total allocations. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public and nonprofit entities. These include cities, villages, counties, townships, park districts, conservancy districts, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations that support recreational infrastructure. Educational institutions such as school districts, colleges, and universities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Applicants must also demonstrate control over the project site through ownership, lease, or easement arrangements lasting at least 15 years beyond project completion. Compliance with federal land acquisition regulations is required when federal funding is involved. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal by mail, including detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, maps, and supporting documentation. Applications must be postmarked by the stated deadline and include original signatures. The review process involves eligibility screening, staff evaluation, potential site visits, and scoring based on criteria such as project need, public benefit, connectivity, and alignment with statewide trail plans. Final funding decisions are made by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources following advisory board input. The program follows a structured timeline beginning with application submission in March, followed by review and site evaluations through the summer months. Applicants are notified of funding decisions in the fall, typically October or November. Successful applicants must then enter into a formal agreement with the state and complete their projects within approximately 15 months. Reimbursement requests can be submitted throughout the project period, with processing times averaging several weeks. Projects are evaluated based on multiple criteria including community need, public participation in planning, trail connectivity, accessibility for people with disabilities, and potential economic or environmental benefits. Additional consideration is given to projects that demonstrate strong partnerships, provide innovative multi-use trail opportunities, or leverage multiple funding sources. The program emphasizes equitable access and requires that funded facilities remain open to the public without discrimination. For questions or additional information, applicants may contact the program manager at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Office of Real Estate. The program is offered annually, with consistent deadlines and recurring funding cycles, making it a reliable source of support for communities seeking to expand or enhance recreational trail systems.

Emphasize trail connectivity and alignment with statewide plans; provide detailed documentation of need and public benefit; demonstrate strong partnerships and matching funds readiness; ensure completeness and clarity of submission