Recreational Trails Program

Recreational Trails Program funds may only be used on trails that have been identified in or which further a specific goal of a local, county or state trail plan included or referenced in a statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan required by the Federal LWCF Program. Thirty percent of the funds must be used on motorized trail uses, 30% on nonmotorized trail uses and 40% on diversified (multiple) trail uses. See trail use funding category definitions in application guidance.

Eligibility

Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governing bodies, school districts, state agencies, federal agencies or incorporated organizations are eligible to apply for funds. Incorporated organizations are those that are incorporated under s. 181, Wis. Stats., whose primary purpose is promoting, encouraging or engaging in outdoor recreation trails activities.

Eligible projects in order of priority are:
1. maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails;
2. development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages for recreational trails;
3. construction of new trails (with certain restrictions on federal lands*); and
4. acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors. (Currently not accepting acquisition applications due to the FAST Act)

*Construction of new trails crossing federal lands only where permissible under other law, necessary and required by a statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan, approved by the DNR and the administering federal agency and consistent with applicable federal land management plans and policies.

Related Resources