Land Use: New Trail Grant Program Announced

POCATELLO, ID (April 14, 2017)–The National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance, in collaboration with the American Hiking Society, Back Country Horsemen of America, the International Mountain Biking Association, the BlueRibbon Coalition, and the American Motorcyclist Association, is pleased to announce a new trail granting program in partnership with the USDA Forest Service for the National Forest Trail Stewardship Grants for National Forest System trails for the 2017 Field season – June 2017 through December 2017.

The Trail Stewardship Grant Program will award funds to trails and stewardship organizations for increasing maintenance accomplishments and reducing deferred maintenance (trail backlog) on National Forest System trails. Grants will be available for all types of terra trails (summer use trails), for both motorized and non-motorized uses.

Any current nonprofit organization (eg. 501 (c) (3), 501 (c) 7) in good standing with the IRS may apply for these Grants. Organizations should have a sponsored volunteer or other agreement with their local Forest Service office for work performed under these grants.

Approximately $230,000 is available during this round of Trail Stewardship Grants for work to be performed from June through December 2017.

Details of the grant program including a Fact Sheet, Application Form, and Budget Form, are available at: www.wildernessalliance.org.

The Trail Stewardship Grant application period will run from April 14 to June 2, 2017. Applications should be mailed to: TrailGrants@wildernessalliance.org, no later than June 2, 2017 to be considered.

Questions about the Trail Stewardship Grant program may be addressed to the Grant Manager, Randy Welsh, Executive Director, National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance at 801-808-2167 or randy@wildernessalliance.org.

“The National Forest Trails Stewardship Grant Program is an opportunity for the entire trails community to come together to maintain the amazing trail resource on the National Forests. These grants will encourage an increase in the number of volunteers and public involved with National Forest trails”, said Randy Welsh, Executive Director, National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance, manager of these grants.