Strong 16 county response to Maine Trails Program grant opportunity
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has received 105 applications for the first round of the newly established Maine Trails Program grant cycle, reflecting the trail community’s commitment to outdoor recreation. Municipalities, land trusts, ATV and snowmobile clubs and nonprofit organizations submitted proposals seeking a combined $16.7 million in funding, more than double the $7.5 million available this year.
Applications were submitted from all 16 counties and represent a broad range of trail users and communities. Multi-use projects led the way, accounting for 46 applications and more than half of the total funding requested, followed by 28 motorized and 31 non-motorized trail proposals. Projects include major renovation efforts to create new recreational trails, expand trail accessibility, improve infrastructure for all-season recreation and protect Maine’s natural landscapes.
“As remarkable as this level of requests is, it is not surprising. We recognize that Maine’s outdoor recreation infrastructure is in high demand and requires significant investment,” said Bureau of Parks and Lands Director Andy Cutko. “This first round of applications strongly suggests that the full $30M for trails will be committed to viable projects by the four-year goal. We look forward to working with grantees to implement exciting projects in every corner of Maine and for every type of trail user.”
The high level of participation underscores the vitality of Maine’s trail community and the need for continued investment in trail infrastructure statewide. The DACF Bureau of Parks and Lands will carefully review all submissions to identify the most ready, impactful, and broadly supported projects for funding this year. To ensure transparency and community input, the Maine Trails Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives from both motorized and non-motorized trail interests, provides guidance to the program and helps evaluate and recommend eligible projects for funding.
The first MTP notice of awards are expected to be issued in November. MTP will continue to open annual rounds of competitive grant funding applications, expected in June, ensuring that projects not selected will have future opportunities for awards. Program administrators encourage interested organizations to use grant application feedback they will receive to refine future proposals and stay engaged with the Maine Trails Advisory Committee for guidance and updates.
The MTP is a statewide initiative to support the design and development of trails for outdoor recreation and active transportation. The program is administered by the BPL. With $30 million in state funding available, the program supports motorized, nonmotorized, and multi-use trails across Maine. Up to $7.5 million per year may be awarded to trail projects to leverage at least $3 million in public and private matching contributions.