RTP Storybook Trail Grant

The RTP Storybook Trail Grant, offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, promotes outdoor exploration through children's literature. This federally funded reimbursement grant program provides up to 80% of project costs, with a total of $50,000 available specifically for Storybook Trails. Eligible projects include new trail construction, maintenance, and educational programs. Each applicant can request between $5,000 and $10,000, encouraging communities to create engaging reading experiences in natural settings.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
The history of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is rich and varied, beginning with its creation by the Ohio Legislature in 1949.
At that time, the department was charged with the responsibility of formulating and putting into execution a long-term comprehensive plan for the development and wise use of the natural resources of the state, to the end that the health, happiness and wholesome enjoyment of life of the people of Ohio may be further encouraged.
A department of incredible diversity, ODNR owns more than 618,000 acres of land and manages an additional 201,000 acres. This includes 76 state parks, 24 state forests, 147 state nature preserves and 189 wildlife areas. The department also has jurisdiction over more than 120,000 acres of inland waters; 7,000 miles of streams; 481 miles of Ohio River; and 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie. In addition, ODNR licenses all hunting, fishing and watercraft in the state and the department is responsible for overseeing and permitting all mineral extraction, monitoring dam safety, managing water resources, mapping the state's major geologic structures and mineral resources and providing multiple outdoor grant programs to local communities.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife receives more than 97% of its funding through the sale of licenses, permits, federal reimbursements and donations. Divisions and offices also change over time to improve efficiency. For example, in 2016 the Division of Parks and Recreation merged with the Division of Watercraft since they had overlapping responsibilities.
A Storybook Trail is an outdoor trail lined with pages from a children’s book to blend the fun of outdoor exploration with reading. The Recreational Trails Program is offered annually through ODNR. This is a reimbursement grant program that provides up-to-80 percent of project funding. This grant program is federally funded and is administered by the ODNR in cooperation with the FHWA.
The following types of projects are eligible for RTP funding:

• New recreational trail construction (non-motorized and motorized)
• Trail maintenance/restoration
• Trailside and trailhead facilities (for example, parking, restrooms, potable water, etc.)
• Purchase/lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment
• Acquisition of easements and property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors
• Educational programs promoting trail safety and environmental protection (These projects cannot exceed 5 percent of Ohio’s annual RTP apportionment.)
• Funding

This grant cycle will make $50,000 available, specifically for Storybook Trails. Each applicant can request up to $10,000 with a minimum request of $5,000 per eligible project scope.