Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program

The Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Recreation Division, provides grant funding to maintain, improve, and develop the designated statewide motorized ORV trail system and restore public lands damaged by ORV use. Authorized under Part 811 of 1994 PA 451, as amended, the program is supported by revenues from Michigan ORV licenses and trail permits to ensure public trail safety, resource sustainability, and outdoor recreation access.

Eligible applicants include local units of government (counties, cities, townships, or villages), public agencies, and nonprofit incorporated clubs and organizations. Individuals are strictly ineligible. Nonprofit organizations must maintain active corporate nonprofit status verified through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Grant sponsors must possess the personnel, equipment, and technological capability to fulfill operational and administrative requirements, secure comprehensive general commercial liability insurance, and obtain written land control documentation (leases, easements, or use permits) for all private lands incorporated in the trail corridor.

Eligible projects include seasonal maintenance (brushing, clearing, and signing) along designated trails and routes; motorized trail and route grading; development of new public trails, routes, or support facilities approved through the trail proposal process; private land lease payments (up to $300 per mile); special maintenance such as bridge construction, boardwalk repair, culvert replacement, and erosion control; and restoration of natural resource damage caused by ORV use on public lands.

Grant applications and guidance are issued in early spring, and completed application packages must be submitted to the assigned DNR Unit Contact by May 1 annually. A complete submission includes the grant application (PR3601), documentation of site control (PR1854), proof of current LARA nonprofit status, a certificate of insurance, and detailed project cost estimates, site plans, and professional engineering certifications where applicable. Approved grant agreements are executed in late fall for the full fiscal year (October 1 through September 30), and funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis following inspection and approval of completed work.