Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program

Purpose: The program funds maintenance of Michigan's designated ORV trail, route and scramble area system, development of new ORV trails and facilities, and restoration of natural resources damaged by ORV use. Eligibility: Government agencies and nonprofit, incorporated clubs and organizations may apply; individuals are not eligible. Projects must be open to the public (for maintenance/development) and restoration must occur on public land. Applicants must have documented site control and provide required liability insurance naming the State of Michigan and relevant landowners as additional insureds. Project eligibility: Seasonal maintenance (brushing, signing, trail grading), special maintenance (e.g., bridge and culvert work), new trail/route/area development and support facilities, restoration of ORV damage on public land, landowner leases and liability insurance premiums are eligible. Application process: Application materials become available in early spring; submit the PR3601 grant application with required documents (site control form PR1854, maps/site plans, insurance certificate and other forms) to the local DNR trail contact by May 1. The DNR reviews applications and issues grant agreements in late fall for the upcoming season (state fiscal year Oct. 1-Sept. 30). As of March 2020, submissions are by email; the DNR contact forwards complete packages to the Trails Section by May 31 for final processing.