DNR 2015-16 ORV Trail Grant Applications Now Available

The Department of Natural Resources recently announced that 2015-16 off-road vehicle trail grant applications now are available to public agencies and nonprofit incorporated clubs and organizations.

Applications are available (from the ORV Trail Improvement Fund) for grants to maintain existing designated state ORV trails, routes and use areas; repair public lands damaged by inappropriate ORV use; and develop new ORV trails, routes and use areas. Grant funds also are available to pay for liability insurance, leases or easements.

“We currently have 33 dedicated trail sponsors that use ORV grant funding to maintain more than 3,700 miles of state-designated ORV trails and routes statewide,” said Richard Kennedy, acting manager for the DNR’s ORV program. “We depend on these partnerships to maintain the trails, and encourage participation from all user organizations and other public agencies to apply for grants to help.”

Any public agency or nonprofit incorporated club or organization can obtain an application on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants. Under “Available Grants,” look for the Trails Management section and select Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program, then Forms and Publications. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2015.

Anyone with questions regarding the ORV trail grant program may contact Kennedy at 517-284-6107.

The ORV Trail Improvement Fund is a restricted fund, made possible by using 100 percent of ORV user fees to support the program for trail maintenance and development, resource damage restoration, safety education and law enforcement.

A Recreation Passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check “YES” during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks and local outdoor recreation opportunities at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.