Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program

Goal/purpose: The purpose of the Off-Road Vehicle Trail Improvement Fund grant program is to provide funding to government agencies and nonprofit incorporated clubs and organizations for maintenance and development of ORV Trails, Routes and facilities as part of a designated statewide ORV system. It also provides funds for restoration of areas damaged by ORV use on Public Land.

Additional applicant eligibility criteria: The grantee must be a public agency or maintain status as a non-profit organization in the state of Michigan. Non-profit status must be renewed each year through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). A certificate of liability insurance is required for all Motorized Trail Grant applicants annually with their application.

Project eligibility: Funds are available for development of new ORV trails; maintenance of existing trails including grading, signing and brushing of the trails; leases, easements or permits for public ORV trails on private lands, and trail liability insurance. Applications for trail, route, or area maintenance and/or development must be for facilities that are open to the public. Applications for damage restoration funds must be for lands in public ownership.

Application process: Grant applications and information on applying for grants are available in early spring. Grant applications with required documents are due to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by May 1. The Department reviews applications and selects projects to be funded. Grant agreements are issued to sponsors in late fall for the upcoming ORV season.