Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant

The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant is administered by the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, a division of the Economic Development Department established in 2019 to expand equitable access to outdoor recreation opportunities across the state. The program was launched in 2020 as a statewide initiative focused on strengthening local economies, improving public health, and preserving natural and cultural resources through investment in outdoor infrastructure. Since its inception, the program has distributed tens of millions of dollars to hundreds of projects across numerous counties and Tribal communities, demonstrating a strong commitment to expanding access to nature-based recreation. The primary purpose of the Trails+ Grant is to fund projects that enhance outdoor recreation infrastructure and accessibility. Eligible projects include planning, design, construction, and improvement of trails, trailheads, river access points, wildlife viewing areas, outdoor classrooms, and other nature-based facilities. The grant emphasizes projects that connect communities to public lands, promote environmental stewardship, and create meaningful recreational opportunities. It also prioritizes equitable access, particularly for rural, Tribal, and historically underserved communities, ensuring that funding supports inclusive and community-centered development. Funding is structured across three tiers based on project scale. Tier 1 supports local projects with awards ranging from 25000 to 99999, Tier 2 supports regional projects from 100000 to 499999, and Tier 3 supports larger regional initiatives from 500000 to 1000000. The program requires matching funds, with urban applicants required to provide a 1:1 match and rural or Tribal applicants required to provide a 1:2 match. Matching contributions may include cash or in-kind support such as volunteer labor, donated materials, or prior project investments. Certain costs are allowable, including equipment up to 30 percent of the request and administrative costs up to 10 percent, while ineligible expenses include land acquisition and non-public or for-profit infrastructure. Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of public and nonprofit entities within New Mexico. Eligible applicants include Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations; municipalities and counties; nonprofit organizations (limited to Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects); public schools and school districts; public colleges and universities; soil and water conservation districts; and acequia and land grant associations. Tier 3 projects have additional restrictions, including exclusion of nonprofit applicants and requirements for demonstrated regional impact and organizational capacity. Applicants are limited to one application per fiscal year but may apply for multiple phases of a project over time. The application process is conducted through an online submission portal and requires applicants to submit detailed project proposals, including budgets, supporting documentation, and in some cases written quotes for subcontracted work exceeding 20000. Tier 2 and Tier 3 applicants must present their projects to a review committee as part of the evaluation process. Applications are evaluated based on recreational value, contribution to equitable access, environmental and cultural impact, economic benefit, and demonstrated community support through partnerships and documentation such as letters of support. The FY27 grant cycle opens on July 1, 2026, and closes on September 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM Mountain Time. Applicants are encouraged to attend informational webinars held in July and August, though these are not required for submission. Award decisions are expected within two months of the application deadline, and funds are distributed in full upon execution of the grant agreement and submission of required documentation. Projects must begin within three months of award notification and be completed within 24 months, with reporting requirements including one progress report and one final report. Oversight and administration of the program are managed by the Outdoor Recreation Division, with Program Manager Carl Colonius serving as the primary contact for applicant support. Awardees are required to host a site visit upon project completion and acknowledge the division in project signage where applicable. The program operates on an annual cycle aligned with the state fiscal year, making it a recurring funding opportunity for organizations seeking to develop or enhance outdoor recreation infrastructure in New Mexico.

Focus on strong community partnerships; demonstrate readiness to proceed; and clearly articulate economic, environmental, and access benefits.