MI Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program Grant

MI Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Last Updated: March 24, 2025

Summary

The MI Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program, funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, aims to maintain existing ORV trails, develop new trails, and restore damaged natural resources. Eligible applicants include government agencies and non-profit organizations, focusing on public access facilities. Key projects involve seasonal maintenance, special repairs, and restoration efforts on public lands affected by illegal ORV use. This program ensures sustainable outdoor recreation while preserving Michigan's natural landscapes.

Overview

Program Objective(s): This program provides funding for maintenance of established ORV trails and facilities as part of the designated statewide trail system. It also funds development of new trails and facilities, and restoration of natural resources damaged by ORV use. Eligible Grant Projects and Maintenance Work Existing Facility Maintenance Seasonal Trail Maintenance: Proposed seasonal maintenance must be at locations included in the state-designated ORV trail system. Maintenance work includes trail, route and area clearing and brushing, installing and maintaining signage, and may include trail grading (usually in the fall) when necessary. Special Maintenance Projects: Proposed special maintenance projects must be at locations included in the state-designated ORV trail system. Special maintenance may include bridge repairs, new bridge construction on existing trails, replacement of culverts, and other projects not described as seasonal maintenance. Include a description of the proposed project, cost estimate, location map, and site plan with the grant application. New Facility Development Proposed facility development includes projects that would result in new ORV trails, routes, or areas, including trail re-routing and/or new support facilities. Include a description of the proposed project, cost estimate, location map, and site plan with the grant application. ORV Damage Restoration Proposed restoration projects must be located on public land and shown to be the result of illegal ORV use. Potential projects may include grading and seeding of damaged areas, placement of erosion control measures, and similar restoration work. Include a description of the proposed project, cost estimate, location map, and site plan with the grant application.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Government agencies and nonprofit, incorporated clubs and organizations are eligible for these grant funds. Applications for trail, route, or area maintenance and/or development must be for facilities that are open to the public. Applications for damage restoration funds must be for lands in public ownership.The trail sponsor is required to obtain liability insurance.All private land that the trail sponsor will be utilizing in carrying out the work specified in its ORV trail program grant must be secured through lease, easement, use permit, or equivalent. A trail sponsor's non-profit status must be renewed each year through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The following criteria must be met: Applicant must meet the ORV Trail Improvement Program grant application deadline. Applicant must be in compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations. Applicant must have access to adequate equipment and personnel to accomplish the proposed projects. Applicant must be in good standing with Department grant programs. The Department will consider any and all notifications to the applicant regarding poor performance in the ORV Trail Improvement Program, or any other State of Michigan grant program.

Ineligibility

Individuals are not eligible.