Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund - Recreational Snowmobile Trail Grant

The Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund (STIF) Recreational Snowmobile Trail Grant program provides financial assistance to maintain and develop snowmobile trails and facilities as part of Michigan's designated statewide snowmobile trail system. Under Part 821 of Act 451, the program aims to establish and sustain an interconnected network of groomed, safe, and durable snowmobile trails across Michigan, including conversions of abandoned railroad grades and permanent public land trail corridors.

Eligible applicants include local units of government and incorporated nonprofit snowmobile clubs and organizations; individuals are ineligible. To be eligible as a grant sponsor, nonprofit organizations must be registered with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and identify at least three active board members. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient personnel, internet/technology access, and equipment capacity to maintain assigned trails (maximum 50 trail miles per groomer). Sponsors must hold valid right-of-way permissions or leases for any trail sections on private property in areas receiving adequate snowfall from December through March. Comprehensive/collision equipment insurance and commercial general liability insurance naming the State of Michigan and landowners as additional insured are required. In addition, sponsors must complete two consecutive seasons in full program compliance before becoming eligible for 100% grant funding to purchase replacement equipment.

Funding supports three main program components: seasonal grooming and general trail maintenance (brushing, mowing, and signing); special maintenance projects (such as bridge repairs or replacements, culvert installations, erosion control, and trail relocations away from roads or land conflicts); and equipment replacement/repair for maintaining trails. Grant funds may also cover landowner lease payments up to $300 per mile, required insurance premiums, groomer utility stipends, trailhead snow plowing, and ADA-compliant portable toilet rentals.

Grant application packages and guidelines are released in late spring, and complete applications with required supporting documentation must be submitted to the assigned DNR Contact by July 1. DNR staff evaluate applications over the summer, and grant agreements are issued to approved sponsors in October for the fiscal year beginning October 1 and ending September 30. Proposals for new trail development may be submitted at any time during the year using form R1862E.