Maine Trails Program Grant
The Maine Trails Program (MTP) is a statewide initiative to support the design and development of trails for outdoor recreation and active transportation. Created by the Maine Legislature in 2024, the program is administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
The deadline for the first year of funding was September 26, 2025. Sign up to receive notices about the next round of funding on BPL’s website, here. (Simply fill in your email address in the “Subscribe to Trail Grants Notices!” box.)
How to get started!
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Are you eligible?
Read the Request for Proposals (RFP) carefully for eligibility guidelines. In Round One, municipalities and non-profit organizations were eligible under the Bureau of Parks and Lands guidelines.
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Is your project eligible?
In Round One, eligible projects could include restoration, development, and acquisition, and had to ensure public access to the recreational improvements proposed.
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Attend a Workshop
The Bureau and other partners will be hold workshops through out the state prior to the next deadline (anticipated to be in mid-2026).
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STEP 1
Five months out you should target the following for action.
Download the grant application and program guidance.
Familiarize yourself with the program.
From this develop a firm concept and project plan.
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STEP 2
Three months out you should target the following for action.
Identify your project lead.
Receive landowner agreement if necessary.
Develop project maps.
Request project review by Maine Historic Preservation Commission, Maine Natural Areas Program and Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Confirm commitment for ongoing maintenance.
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STEP 3
Two months out you should target the following for action.
Check in with your local planning department for any ordinance compliance understanding.
Check with applicable code enforcement officials regarding the need for permits.
Begin developing your budget, including in-kind donation documents.
Begin writing the project grant!
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STEP 4
One month before deadline gather important documents.
Deeds/Leases and/or Use Agreements
Support Letters & Partnership Letters
Organization Plans and Photos
Media: Newspaper Articles, Trail Promotion Details
Complete Environmental Assessment Check list
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STEP 5
It’s HAPPENING! Two weeks before you should create your “Cloud” sharable folder and assemble e-documents according to protocol outlined in grant guidance.
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TIME TO SUBMIT!
When ready, send your transmittal email with a link to the shared folder to doug.beck@maine.gov. This email will serve as the time stamp for the date/time of submission! Yay! Well done!