Off-Road Trail Improvement Program

The ORV Trail Improvement Fund, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is a state-funded grant program established to maintain, develop, and restore off-road vehicle (ORV) trails and related infrastructure throughout Michigan. This initiative supports the state’s broader goal of enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities while preserving the natural environment impacted by ORV use. The program is aligned with the Department's broader mission to sustainably manage public lands and outdoor resources for both current and future generations. The primary objective of the program is to fund the maintenance of existing ORV trails and facilities that are part of Michigan’s designated statewide ORV trail system. In addition to maintenance activities, the program supports the development of new ORV trails and facilities to expand access and accommodate increased recreational use. Importantly, the program also provides funding for the ecological restoration of lands that have been damaged by off-road vehicle activity, helping to rehabilitate public landscapes affected by erosion, habitat degradation, or other environmental harm. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations that are incorporated as clubs or associations. Individuals are explicitly excluded from eligibility. All facilities for which applicants seek funding must be publicly accessible. Furthermore, if an application pertains to the restoration of damaged lands, those lands must be under public ownership, ensuring that grant funds benefit the public and align with the stewardship responsibilities of the DNR. The application process begins in early spring, with full grant applications due annually by May 1. Applicants must include all required documentation at the time of submission to the DNR. Following submission, the Department conducts a review of all applications and selects projects for funding. Successful applicants receive grant agreements in late fall, which must be signed in duplicate and returned to the Department. Upon execution, the finalized agreement authorizes funding for the upcoming ORV season. The grants awarded under this program are provided for an entire fiscal year, running from October 1 through September 30 of the following year. The program allows for full reimbursement of eligible project costs, up to 100 percent, but awards cannot exceed the actual allocation granted to the applicant. Funding is made available through the ORV Trail Improvement Fund, which is governed by Part 811 of the 1994 Public Act 451, as amended. For further inquiries, interested parties are directed to contact Richard Kennedy of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division via phone at 517-284-7275 or by email at [email protected]. The program follows an annual cycle with a predictable deadline of May 1, making it a recurring opportunity for qualified organizations engaged in the stewardship and development of ORV resources within the state of Michigan.