The National Forest System Trail Stewardship Partner Funding Program

The National Forest System Trail Stewardship Partner Funding Program

A joint partnership effort between NWSA and the USDA Forest Service, and you!

This program is a collaboration of NWSA and the Forest Service, with American Hiking Society, American Trails, Back Country Horsemen of America, International Mountain Bicycling Association, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, and the American Motorcyclist Association all participating in the rating and selection of projects. These program funds are provided to trail and stewardship organizations to improve trail maintenance on the National Forest System Trail System.

The National Forest System Trail Stewardship Partner Funding Program is intended to encourage and support volunteer and stewardship group trail maintenance accomplishments and trail deferred maintenance backlog on the National Forest trail system. The ideal project proposal will engage volunteers in the accomplishment of trail maintenance over the course of a field season over a broad area of a District or Forest.

NWSA and our partner organizations are proud to manage this funding program to support the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Partner Funding Program. This program directly support the implementation of the National Trails Strategy, which has a goal of doubling volunteer trail work in the next decade.

What trail work can be done?

Any qualifying trail maintenance work on a National Forest System Trail will be considered. Projects can include clearing, brushing, tread repair, structure repair or replacement, and installation of trail signs. Any activity that will reduce existing trail deferred maintenance is also acceptable. Any trail work that will meet National Quality Standards and is required under the Trail Management Objectives will qualify.

What is the role of volunteers with these grants?

A secondary objective of the Trail Stewardship Funding program is to encourage an increase in the number and hours of volunteer labor on trails in the National Forests. Projects that have a volunteer component are encouraged and preferred but are not required. Projects that rely solely on paid staff or interns are totally acceptable.

Funding

Grants range from $2,000 - $20,000.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Any non-profit group recognized by the IRS may apply for Trail Stewardship Funding.
• These grants are for work on any and all National Forest System terra trails. Work can be performed on motorized or non-motorized trails, both inside and outside of wilderness.
• Trail work is usually performed during the Summer/Fall Field Season (May - December). In some rare exceptions work can be extended through spring 2023.
• Grants range from $2,000 - $20,000.
• Require either a non-federal cash or in-kind match of at least 1:1