The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Trails Program funds improve and enhance motorized recreation opportunities in Colorado while promoting safe, responsible use of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs). To fund the annual OHV trail grant process, both OHV registration and permit fees, and federal Recreation Trails Funds (RTP) are utilized.
Who can apply for these grants?
- Local, county, and state governments, federal agencies, special recreation districts, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.
What projects are eligible for these grants?
- Projects related to recreational use of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on lands open to the public. OHVs include: trail motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles.
-
For the 2024 OHV grant cycle, priority will be given to maintenance projects. There is a great need to address resource impacts due to increased visitation in Colorado, with repairs and improvements to existing trails.
2023-24 Grant Applications
-
The application window is now CLOSED. Information and instructions on to how apply for the 2024-2025 grant cycle will be posted in October 2023.
Area Wildlife Manager Review Documents
Contact the State Trails Program at 303-791-1957 ext. 4129 or trails@state.co.us with any questions.
2024 Grant Review Meetings
The State Recreational Trails Committee and its grant review and ranking subcommittees meet to review the grant applications. These meetings are open to the public and provide a platform for verbal comments on the applications.
A subcommittee evaluates OHV Good Management trail crew grant applications as a first priority, and then the subcommittee scores and ranks the OHV competitive grant applications in order of their recommended funding priority.
The 2024 OHV Grant Applicant Presentations will be presented in a hybrid setup.
In-person: Courtyard by Marriott Denver Southwest/Littleton, 3056 West County Line Rd., Littleton, CO 80129, 1st floor meeting room. The presentation schedules and Zoom registration links are listed below.
These meetings are open to the public and provide a platform for verbal comments on the applications. Public comment periods have been scheduled for each day. If you would like to provide comment virtually, please register below for the meeting you would like to attend.
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 9, 2023 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday, March 10, 2023 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
2023-2024 Grant Timeline
- December 2, 2022: Applications due by 5:00 p.m.
- January 12-13, 2023: OHV subcommittee meeting - application review
- January 31, 2023: Deadline for written public comment
- March 8-10, 2023: OHV grant applicant presentations
- April 7, 2023: State Trails Committee reviews recommendations from subcommittees
- June 22-23, 2023: Commission final funding decision
- Fall 2023 through Spring 2024: Project funds available for disbursement
Federal Funding Requirements
All projects awarded with federal funding are subject to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA). Applicants should request a Unique Entity Identifier if their organization does not already have one. The link to register for a new UEI is listed on the right under "Grant Documentation".
Federal OMB, 2 CFR 200 Uniform Procurement Guidance applies to all CPW RTP grants (as of 2018).
State trails staff and grant reviewers cannot comment on the status of a grant application until the evaluation and scoring process is completed.
About the OHV Grant Types
Good Management OHV Grants
Since 2001, the
OHV Good Management Program institutionalized OHV grant funding mechanisms for federal grantees and their direct supporters who demonstrated an exceptional ability in the managing, operating and maintaining Colorado’s most popular OHV riding areas. The program provides a consistent and predictable level of funding so that federal agencies can attract and retain experienced trail crews for the operation and maintenance of their OHV riding areas.
Programmatic (competitive) OHV Project Grants
OHV programmatic or competitive project grants address the full spectrum of OHV recreation support needs in Colorado. Eligible grant funded activities include:
Construction, reconstruction or maintenance of OHV routes or multi-use trails that allow for motorized use
Crossing structures, bridges, railings, ramps, and fencing
Bank stabilization and retaining structures
OHV trail corridor re-vegetation and erosion control
Trailhead development and/or support facilities related to OHV or multi-use trails including parking areas, restrooms, and related facilities
Project Materials, Tools and Supplies
Equipment needed to build or maintain OHV trails
Fleet vehicle(s) for trail crew members - fixed and variable expenses, fuel and fluids.
Normal maintenance and repairs on trail machines (trail bikes, ATVs) and equipment (dozers, chainsaws, generators, etc.), fuel and fluids.
Signs - directional, regulatory, and interpretive signage for OHV routes
Printing - maps/guides, safety and educational materials Programs, publications and videos on safety and OHV recreation
OHV trail or system planning, engineering, or design
Land acquisition or easement projects. NEPA review and environmental compliance work required under NEPA or other statutes
Restoration of closed trails or damaged areas where a nexus exists between OHV misuse and needed repairs
Salary, compensation and benefits for crew members or project employees
Employment-required immunizations, background checks
Law enforcement wages for enforcing State OHV Law (CRS 33-14.5)
OHV Education and safety programs
Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance required for OHV projects.
Insurance coverage for physical damage and theft on equipment purchased with OHV funding that is valued at over $10,000
