Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program

The Wyoming State Trails Program has launched a new Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program as a one-time funding opportunity authorized by the Wyoming Legislature. The program is administered with funding support from the Wyoming Office of Tourism and is intended to strengthen outdoor recreation infrastructure across the state. This initiative reflects a broader statewide commitment to enhancing access to natural resources and expanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, particularly through investments in non-motorized trail systems. The primary purpose of the grant program is to support the development, expansion, and improvement of non-motorized trail recreation on public lands throughout Wyoming. The program emphasizes projects that are ready for immediate implementation, commonly referred to as shovel-ready projects. These projects are expected to contribute directly to the availability and quality of natural-surface trails, thereby improving accessibility and usability for activities such as hiking, biking, and other non-motorized uses. Funding through this program totals 800000 dollars and will be distributed competitively among eligible applicants. Allowable uses of funds include the construction of new natural-surface trails, maintenance and rehabilitation of existing trails, and the development of trail-supporting infrastructure such as trailheads, kiosks, and restroom facilities. However, planning-related activities such as design, engineering, and surveying are explicitly excluded from funding eligibility. This restriction ensures that all awarded funds are directed toward tangible construction and maintenance outcomes. Eligible applicants for this program include public land management agencies and nongovernmental organizations. A key requirement for participation is the provision of a 50 percent cash match, structured as a one-to-one ratio relative to the requested funding amount. For example, the minimum grant request of 15000 dollars requires a corresponding minimum match of 7500 dollars. This matching requirement ensures shared investment and commitment from applicants while leveraging state funds to maximize impact. The application process is straightforward and does not include pre-application stages such as letters of intent or concept papers. Applicants must submit their proposals by October 1, 2026. Projects are evaluated competitively, with new trail construction projects receiving a higher scoring multiplier compared to maintenance or rehabilitation efforts. This evaluation preference reflects the program’s goal of expanding trail networks while still supporting the upkeep of existing infrastructure. Award notifications are expected by December 1, 2026, providing a relatively short review timeline following the application deadline. Interested applicants can access application materials and additional program details through the Wyoming State Trails Program website. Questions regarding eligibility or application requirements may be directed to the program contact via email or phone. As a one-time funding opportunity, this program does not currently indicate recurring cycles, making timely application critical for eligible organizations seeking funding support.

Projects proposing new trail construction may receive higher evaluation scores due to scoring multiplier preference.