Regional Trail Grant Program

The Regional Trail Grant Program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources through its Division of Parks and Trails. The program was established under Minnesota Statutes 85.019 and is designed to support the development of regionally significant recreational trail systems across the state, specifically outside of the seven county metropolitan area. Since its inception in 1997, the program has funded numerous trail projects that contribute to statewide outdoor recreation infrastructure. The program is funded through In Lieu Of lottery proceeds and is subject to legislative appropriation and gubernatorial approval. The primary purpose of the program is to accelerate the development of long distance and destination quality recreational trails that connect communities, natural resources, and public lands. Grants are intended to support both the acquisition of land and the development of trail infrastructure. Eligible uses include trail construction, restoration, trailhead facilities, accessibility improvements, and related capital investments. Projects must demonstrate regional or statewide significance, including factors such as trail length, connectivity, anticipated usage, and the quality of surrounding natural or cultural resources. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, covering up to 75 percent of eligible project costs. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 25 percent non state cash match, and other state funds cannot be used to meet this requirement. The minimum grant award is 5000 dollars and the maximum is 300000 dollars. Project sponsors must incur and pay costs prior to reimbursement and must enter into a formal grant agreement before expenses become eligible. Additionally, development projects require a long term maintenance commitment, and acquisition projects must include easements for recreational use of at least twenty five years. Eligibility is limited to local units of government, including counties, cities, and townships. While nonprofit organizations or trail groups may be involved, they must partner with an eligible governmental entity, as funding is only awarded directly to these units. Projects must be located outside the metropolitan area and must meet design and compliance standards, including ADA accessibility requirements and environmental review obligations. Applicants must also commit to maintaining public access to funded facilities for at least twenty five years. The application process requires submission of a complete application package in PDF format via email to the designated DNR grants inbox. Applications must include all required documentation and responses to evaluation criteria, and incomplete submissions will not be considered. Applicants may submit draft applications for feedback prior to the final deadline. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is March 31, 2026, with an optional draft submission deadline of March 11, 2026 for review comments. Applications undergo a competitive review and scoring process conducted by DNR staff. Evaluation criteria include project readiness, cost effectiveness, connectivity, environmental considerations, and alignment with program priorities. Projects are ranked and selected based on these criteria, and final approval is granted by DNR leadership. Awards are typically announced in the summer following the application deadline, and successful applicants must complete required documentation before entering into a grant agreement. The project timeline requires that funded projects begin after execution of the grant agreement and completion of environmental and compliance documentation. Projects funded under this cycle must be completed by June 30, 2028, due to statutory funding expiration. The program is offered annually, and prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in informational webinars and consult with program staff during the application process. Contact for the program includes a designated Trail Grants Specialist within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Focus on demonstrating regional significance connectivity and project readiness; ensure all required documentation is complete and compliant; submit draft for feedback prior to deadline