Off-Highway Vehicle Damage Account Grant

Off-Highway Vehicle Damage Account Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Last Updated: November 21, 2025

Summary

The Off-Highway Vehicle Damage Account provides funding to repair damage caused by off-highway vehicle (OHV) operations on private or public lands in unauthorized areas. Eligible claims must demonstrate damage occurred post-August 1, 2003, due to OHVs, and must include documentation supporting these conditions. Public and private entities can apply, but costs for preventative measures or improvements are not reimbursable. The program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring proper restoration of affected areas.

Overview

Program purpose: The Off-Highway Vehicle Damage Account makes funds available to repair damage to private or public lands caused by Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) operation in unauthorized or unpermitted areas. OHV damage typically involves soil disturbance, erosion or rutting, but may also include damage to vegetation or property. This account is funded by an appropriation from the dedicated OHV accounts, and is administered by the DNR Division of Parks and Trails out of its Area Offices all across Minnesota. Submitting a claim: To make an OHV damage account claim, fill out a Damage Claim Form and send it to the DNR Parks and Trails Area Office nearest the location where damage occurred. You may locate the nearest Area Office by calling 651-259-5666 or Toll Free 1-888-MINNDNR and asking for Parks and Trails. Use the Damage Claim Form to begin this process.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who may apply:Both public and private sector individuals or entities are eligible to apply for reimbursement. The OHV Damage Account is authorized pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 84.780, which establishes the following conditions that must be met before a claim can be approved:The damage must be caused by the operation of OHVs, which include off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, or off-road vehicles (4x4 jeeps or trucks).The damage must occur in a location where the operation of OHVs is not permitted.The damage must have occurred after August 1, 2003.Reasonable efforts must have been taken to identify responsible parties, to seek restitution for the damages, and to prevent the recurrence of this or additional damage.All claims must be supported by documentation confirming that required conditions have been met.

Ineligibility

Preventative costs (e.g., signing, gating, new fencing or added enforcement) are not reimbursable under the program.Likewise, road or trail re-routes, upgrades or other improvements, are ineligible for reimbursement.Damage that occurred prior to August 1, 2003 is ineligible for reimbursement.The Legislature established this date to exclude claims for historical or pre-existing damage.