Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund - Recreational Snowmobile Trail Grant

The purpose of the Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund Grant program is to provide financial assistance to maintain snowmobile trails as part of the designated statewide trail system. Funds are available for seasonal grooming and general maintenance (grooming the trail surface, placing signs, clearing brush), special maintenance projects (bridge construction and repairs, erosion control, replacement of culverts, relocation of trails), and replacement of equipment used for maintaining trails (grooming tractors, drags, front blades, radios).

Eligible applicants must be able to obtain a trail right-of-way open to public snowmobiling in areas with adequate snowfall (December through March) if the trail is not on public property. Trail sponsors must have their own equipment for maintaining trails. Non-profit status must be verified annually. Applicants must also provide proof of liability and comprehensive/collision insurance. Only current trail sponsors may apply for special maintenance or equipment replacement grants.

Applications are made available in late spring and are due by July 1. Applications must be submitted to the DNR Contact via email. The Department reviews applications and selects projects to be funded. Grant agreements are issued in October for the upcoming snowmobile season.