The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting applications for its Regional Trail Grant Program to promote the development of regionally significant trails outside the seven-county metropolitan area.
Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State: Minnesota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/29/2024
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This program is intended to accelerate the development of long-distance recreational trails that are destinations, in essence to create significant new recreation trails.
Grants are awarded for the acquisition and development of regional trails and for removal of barriers that impede full access to these facilities. Historically, priority has been given to projects that can demonstrate significant length, a high-expected use, significant resource quality and attractiveness.
The Regional Trail Program depends on local communities and their local government representatives to provide inspiration, planning and commitment, as well as the local matching financial requirement, to make these trail projects a reality. Local governments complete the acquisition and/or projects and are reimbursed for a portion of the acquisition and/or project actually completed. These funds cannot be used for the development of any trails that are designated as part of the state trail system.
Funding Priorities
Priority for trail project funding will be given to projects that develop trails of significant length. Significant considerations also include expected amount and type of use, and quality and attractiveness of natural and cultural resources.
Funding Information
The minimum grant request is $5,000, and the maximum grant award is $300,000.
Eligible projects
Eligible projects may include, but are not necessarily limited to the following examples:
- Land acquisition from willing sellers, where value is established by a licensed and certified appraiser, whose conclusions of value are certified by the State, and only if perpetual easement for recreation trail purposes is conveyed to the state.
- Construction of trails on public or private lands where a twenty year easement for the purpose of the project can be obtained.
- Development of trail linkages near homes and workplaces.
- Development of permanent trailside improvements and trailhead facilities (e.g., drainage, crossings, stabilization, parking, signage, controls, open-sided shelters, water, and sanitary facilities).
- Provision of features that facilitate access and use of trails by persons with disabilities.
- Restoration of existing trail facilities, such as resurfacing, repair, or rehabilitation of trails or trailhead facilities.
- Contracted maintenance of existing recreational trails.
- Construction or restoration of trail bridges.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include counties, cities, and townships.
For more information, visit DNR.
