The Department of Natural Resources announced today that the 2009-10 Off Road Vehicle (ORV) trail grant applications are available to public agencies, nonprofit and incorporated clubs, and organizations.

Applications are available for grants to maintain existing designated state ORV trails, routes and use areas; repair public lands damaged by inappropriate ORV use; and develop new ORV trails, routes and use areas. Grant funds also are available to pay for liability insurance, leases or easements.

"We currently have 32 trail sponsors that maintain more than 3,300 miles of state designated ORV trails and routes statewide," said Steve Kubisiak, DNR Recreation and Trails Program coordinator. "We depend on these partnerships to maintain the trails, and encourage participation from all user organizations and other public agencies to help us maintain Michigan's great ORV trail system."

Grant applications are prioritized to address existing trail maintenance and restoration needs on public land. New trail, route and scramble area development proposals also will be considered.

Applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2009. Any public agency or nonprofit incorporated club or organization seeking an application should contact: DNR-FMFM, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909. The forms are available on the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants. Under the Grant Programs menu, select "Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program," and then "Forms and Publications." Applications also may be requested by calling (517) 373-1275.

Questions about the ORV program and application requirements should be directed to the ORV program staff in the DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909, or by calling (517) 373-1665.

A separate application is available for grants to eligible county sheriff departments to enforce ORV regulations. Counties that have either designated ORV trails or abandoned railroad rights-of-way that are being converted into Michigan Trailways are eligible for law enforcement funding. For more information on ORV law enforcement grant opportunities, contact Maureen Houghton at (517) 373-2965, or visit the DNR Web site.

The ORV Trail Improvement Fund is made possible by 100 percent user fees that support the program for trail maintenance and development, resource damage restoration and law enforcement.