Recreational Trails Program

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federally funded grant program administrated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Since 1993, Oregon has funded over 500 projects with RTP funds to develop, improve, or expand motorized and non-motorized trails and their facilities.

Program Overview

Overview

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include local, state, federal, Tribal, and other governments. Non-profits registered with the Oregon Secretary of State for at least three years prior to application may also be eligible to apply.

Eligible projects include:

Construction of new trails
Major rehabilitation of existing trails
Development or improvement of trailhead or other support facilities
Acquisition of land or easements for the purpose of trail development
Safety and education projects

Eligible trail types include motorized (OHV, snowmobile), non-motorized (hiker, biker, equestrian), and water trails.

Refer to the RTP Policy Manual for more detailed eligibility requirements and other policies.

Funding

Oregon’s annual RTP allocation is approximately $1.6 million. At least 30% of funds are set aside for motorized trail projects.

The minimum grant request amount is $10,000. There is a recommended grant request maximum of $150,000 for non-motorized proposals and no maximum for motorized proposals. Applicants must commit to at least 20% match. Match can include volunteer labor or other donations.

Grant Cycle Schedule

2021-2022 Schedule

January 26, 2021: RTP Advisory Committee business meeting, 1:00-4:00 PM. Agenda and meeting registration information.

April 1, 2021: Grant cycle opens

April 15, 2021: Online grant cycle webinar, 9:30-11:30 AM. The webinar will cover the grant cycle process, RTP policies, application requirements, scoring criteria, and more. Register in advance at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4vdWjtLzRo6W2VvVGJNo-w

April 30, 2021: Letter of Intent due on https://oprdgrants.org/

June 15, 2021: Grant applications due

October 26-28, 2021: The RTP Advisory Committee meets to evaluate grant applications for RTP funding (agenda and Zoom link).

November 2021: The OPRD Commission votes whether to approve the RTP Committee’s recommended project list.

Spring 2022: Earliest that Notices to Proceed will be issued for the approved projects.

September 1, 2022: Next grant cycle opens

Dates may be subject to change.

Grant Program Guidance and Forms

Policy Manual

The RTP Policy Manual includes program policies, eligibility requirements, information about the application process, current scoring criteria, and grant management policies.

2021 RTP Policy Manual

2021 RTP Policy Changes and Clarifications

Workshops

OPRD holds an annual grant workshop or webinar. Content includes an overview of program policies and application requirements. Refer to the Grant Cycle schedule for dates and registration information for future workshops.

2021 RTP Grant Cycle Webinar Slides (PDF)

2021 RTP Grant Cycle Webinar Recording

Application & Forms

OPRD utilizes an online grants application system. The application can be accessed online when the grant cycle is open. Interested applicants must have an account on OPRD Grants to apply and can request an account at any time.

Applicants will either select a motorized or non-motorized application, depending on primary use of the trails or project area.

Online Application Instructions: refer to these instructions to navigate the application system on OPRD Grants

2021 Application Worksheet: A list of application questions that can be used to prepare your responses but cannot be submitted in place of the online application

Application Attachment Checklist: A list of required attachments and forms that must be submitted with your application

Application Forms:

Environmental and SHPO Forms for Non-Federal Land

Accessibility Guidance

The following information is provided as a resource for land managers and RTP applicants. Additional resources on accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion can be found in various links under the Resources section on this page.

Grant Management & Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants of RTP are typically given two years to complete the project scope as approved. Refer to Section 5 of the current RTP Policy Manual for comprehensive information about reporting requirements and state and federal laws that apply to the program. Quick Facts

Progress reports and reimbursement requests must be submitted on https://oprdgrants.org.

Refer to the Online Grant Reimbursement and Reporting Instructions for detailed information.

Reporting Forms:

Grant Advisory Committee

Committee Roster and Application Information

RTP projects are reviewed, scored, and recommended for funding by a ten member advisory committee. Funding recommendations are made to the OPRD Director for approval by the OPRD Commission. The committee may also advise on state-specific program policy and procedures.

Representation of members includes motorized and non-motorized trail use, accessibility, and federal land managers. Members are appointed by the OPRD Director and serve three year terms, up to two terms, except federal representatives who are appointed by their respective agencies.

Off Highway Vehicle Representative (1 of 2):
Ron Price
2nd Term ends May 2023

Off Highway Vehicle Representative (2 of 2)
Tim Custer
1st term ends December 2022

Snowmobile Representative:
VACANT

Hiking Representative:
Philip Richardson
2nd term ends December 2023

Biking Representative:
Michelle Emmons
1st term ends December 2022

Equestrian Representative:
Kim McCarrel
1st term ends December 2021

Water Trails Representative:
VACANT

Accessibility Representative:
Helena Kesch
1st term ends December 2022

U.S. Forest Service Representative (non-voting):
Zach Jarrett

Bureau of Land Management Representative (non-voting):
Dan Davis

Interested in joining the RTP Grant Advisory Committee?
Complete this interest form and email it to the RTP Grant Coordinator