Changes made on recreation grant application process

From Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Due to software performance issues, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is making changes to its 2022 recreation grant program application cycles.

Typically, applications for the Recreational Trails Program, the Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program, the Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program, and the new Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program open Nov. 1. However, a delay was needed so that FWP can revert to using WebGrants for the 2022 cycle.

FWP will begin accepting grant applications via the online system at http://funding.mt.gov as follows:

Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program: This is a state-funded grant program. This program provides project funding with the goal of enhancing and maintaining OHV recreational opportunities for the benefit of OHV enthusiasts in Montana. This program is expected to award $230,000 during this cycle.

Applications accepted Dec. 15, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program: The MTSGP is a state-funded grant program. This is the program’s second grant cycle. This program is expected to award about $1.35 million for construction or maintenance of motorized and non-motorized trails or trail-related facilities.

Applications accepted Dec. 15, 2021, to Feb. 15, 2022.

Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program: A grant program funded through the creation of the OHV Trail Pass. This is the program’s second grant cycle. The program is expected to award about $153,000 to non-federal entities for the maintenance of OHV trails on public lands.

Applications accepted Dec. 15, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

Recreational Trails Program: The RTP is a federally funded grant program. This grant program awards about $1.5 million annually. Eligible activities include construction or maintenance of motorized and non-motorized trails or trail-related facilities, purchase of trail equipment, and development of trail education or ethics programs.

Applications accepted Jan. 18, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2022.

Training sessions for RTP and MTSGP will be offered virtually for prospective applicants. These sessions are free and highly recommended for new and returning applicants. The training provides tips on writing a competitive application, using the grant management software to submit an application and understanding differences and similarities between programs. Online joint trainings will be held via Zoom on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, from 1 to 3 p.m.

For more information on attending a grant application training session or applying to one of these opportunities, people can visit the Recreational Trails Program webpage at https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/recreational-trails or the Montana Trail Stewardship Program webpage.

For questions about the Recreational Trails Program, people can contact Samantha Erpenbach at [email protected].

For questions about the Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program, people can contact Carissa Beckwith at [email protected].

For questions about the Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program and OHV program, people can contact Seth McArthur at [email protected].