Maine Trails Program Grant

Maine Trails Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Amount: Up to US $250,000
Last Updated: March 30, 2026

Summary

The Maine Trails Program (MTP) is a state initiative aimed at enhancing trails for recreation and transportation. With a budget of $30 million until 2034, it supports diverse trail projects and encourages community involvement through the Maine Trails Advisory Committee. The program prioritizes projects that ensure public access, promote sustainability, and cater to various users while fostering tourism and economic growth. Eligible applicants include municipalities and non-profits, emphasizing collaboration and matching resources.

Overview

What is the Maine Trails Program? The Maine Trails Program (MTP) is a statewide initiative to support the design and development of trails for outdoor recreation and active transportation. Created by the Maine Legislature in 2024, the program is administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. With $30 million in state funding available through 2034, 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. To ensure transparency and community input, the Maine Trails Advisory Committee—made up of representatives from both motorized and nonmotorized trail interests—provides guidance to the program and helps evaluate and recommend eligible projects for funding. Goals for Maine Trails Program Trails that provide linkages with existing or planned networks. Trails that serve a broad range of users. Proposals that address landowners' concerns. Trails that will be sustainable in relation to anticipated usage. Proposals that provide accessible trails, in terms of proximity and design. Proposals that enhance tourism and economic development. Proposals that facilitate trail use for all ages and abilities. Projects that are well planned. Trails that are destination oriented. Trails that further SCORP or other established planning goals. Multiple use trail projects that address conflicts between user groups. Proposals that have documented matching resources. Projects that rehabilitate existing, well-used trails. Trails that provide high levels of user safety. Proposals that plan for operation and maintenance needs. Projects that will last.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grants may be awarded to Municipalities, other qualified subdivisions of State Government, including executive branch departments and agencies; and Non-profit organizations under guidelines established by the Bureau of Parks and Lands as advised by the Maine Trails Advisory Committee. Eligible projects MUST include: Public Use and Access: Applications for MTP funding must ensure public access to the recreation improvements funded by the grant for the greatest duration possible. Eligible projects may include: Restoration of existing recreational trails, trailheads and trailside amenities. Development of new trails, trailheads and trailside amenities. Acquisition of easements or fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors.

Ineligibility

The following types of projects are inconsistent with the State MTP and are not eligible for MTP funding:Trail, trailhead, trailside amenity maintenance: work that would be considered usual and ordinary ongoing and prudent care of existing trail, trailhead, trailside or trail center infrastructure.Snowmaking equipment / infrastructureRoads, sidewalks, gardening/landscaping, parks or park equipment, sprinklers, or campgrounds are not eligible.Limited sections of unimproved roads may be eligible for funding if renovation of that road section is essential to trailhead access and trail use.Outdoor Recreation Access Routes (ORARs) are typically not eligible for funding.ORARs are “a continuous, unobstructed path designed for pedestrian use that connects constructed features in a campground, camping unit, picnic area, trailhead, or other recreation site where modifications are provided for visitor convenience and comfort.”Exceptions to this may be made when the ORAR is essential to the functionality of a trail.Construction/improvements within a federal, state, county, or town road right-of-way. (e.g., bike lanes or other on-road bicycle/pedestrian amenities.Funding staff/intern positions not related to a direct MTP-funded project execution.Condemnation of Land – The MTP funds shall not be used to condemn any kind of interest in the property or use the value of condemned land. However, an MTP project may be located on land condemned with funds from other sources.Feasibility Studies.Law Enforcement