The Recreational Trails Program is a federal program that provides funds to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses. RTP grants are to be used on trail projects that further a specific goal or are included in the State Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP) or a local plan referenced in the SCORP.
In Wisconsin, this program is administered by the Department of Natural Resources.
Click through the sections below to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Grant Priorities include:
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility requirements include:
Please note that applications for acquisition projects are not being accepted for State Fiscal Year 2024.
Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.
Eligible sponsors may be reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible project costs.
Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.
Eligible costs include:
Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.
If your project is selected for funding, you will be notified of a tentative award approximately 4 months after the application deadline. Final award and payment will be subject to several additional required reviews, including, in some cases, approval of the Natural Resources Board and the Joint Committee on Finance. The time between submitting a complete application and receiving a grant contract ranges from six to eighteen months.
For the most up to date information on project timelines and period of performance, please contact the grant managers using the “Contact Information” section below.
Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.
Applications are typically due on May 1 each year. Please contact the grant program manager using the “Contact Information” section below to confirm application deadlines.
Stewardship Local Assistance Programs (STEW), Federal Land and Water Conservation Program (LWCF) and the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant Program Guidance and Application Materials available using the links below:
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Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.
For assistance with RTP grants, contact:
Bobbi Winebar, WDNR Grant Program Manager
Phone: (920) 461-2595
Your regional DNR grant project manager
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