The deadline to apply for federal Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grants has changed from May 1 to March 1 annually.

This change is occurring because the RTP grant program guidance and application will no longer be combined with the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Assistance Program and the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant programs.

The goal of the federal RTP is to encourage the maintenance, rehabilitation and development of trails and trail-side amenities by providing cost-sharing assistance to governmental units and qualified trail organizations. Funding is available for both motorized and non-motorized trails.

RTP grants are facilitated by DNR staff in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and through funding appropriated to Wisconsin via the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Grant application materials are now available on the DNR’s website. See the “Applying” tab in the center of the webpage for guidance and forms. The deadline to apply to RTP funding is March 1, 2026.

If you have questions about applying, please contact one of the DNR’s regional project managers assigned to the Recreational Trails Program in your county. See also the DNR staff directory in RTP Grant Guidance (page 2).