This program provides funding to maintain snowmobile trails as part of the designated statewide trail system. Grant funds are available for three purposes. 

1. Seasonal grooming and general maintenance of snowmobile trails. 

2. Special maintenance projects that improve the condition and/or access to trails. 

3. Replacement of equipment used for maintaining trails. 

Seasonal grooming and maintenance includes grooming of the trail surface, placing signs along the assigned trail segments and clearing brush from the trails. 

Special maintenance projects may include bridge construction and repairs, erosion control, replacement of culverts and relocation of trails off plowed roads.  Only current trail sponsors may apply for special maintenance projects.  

Equipment replacement grants may include grooming tractors, drag, front blade and radio or telephone equipment. Only current trail sponsors may apply for equipment replacement grants.

Criteria: 

Snowmobile Trail Improvement Program grants are issued to trail sponsors for maintaining the state of Michigan's designated snowmobile trail system. If a trail is not on public property, a trail sponsor must be able to obtain a trail right-of-way that is open to public snowmobiling in an area that receives adequate snowfall for snowmobiling from December through March of each year. Trail sponsors must have their own equipment for maintaining trails. The trails to be maintained by a trail sponsor will be assigned by the Department of Natural Resources. 

Eligibility: 

Local units of government and nonprofit, incorporated snowmobile clubs and organizations are eligible to apply for these grants. Individuals are not eligible.

Application Process: 

1. Grant applications and information on applying for grants are made available in late spring.

2. Grant applications with required documents are due to the Department in summer.

3. The Department reviews applications and selects projects to be funded.

4. Grant agreements are issued to sponsors in October for the upcoming snowmobile season.

5. Signed grant agreements are returned to the Department by end of October.

6. A fully executed grant agreement is provided to each sponsor.

Deadline(s): 

Grant applications are due by July 15 of each year for annual grooming and special maintenance projects. New trail proposals may be submitted any time during the year. 

Timeline(s): 

The time period from grant application to grant award is three to four months. Grants are issued for an entire fiscal year, October 1 through the following September 30. Special Maintenance project grants are issued for two fiscal years. 

Dollar Amount(s) Available: 

For trail signing, brushing and grooming, payment is made on a pre-established per mile basis. 

For equipment replacement grants, 100 percent of actual cost is reimbursable. 

For special maintenance projects, 100 percent of actual cost is reimbursable. 

Source(s) of Funds: 

Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Authority: 

Part 821, 1994 PA 451, as amended

Contact(s): 

Forest Resources Division

Richard Kennedy 517-373-8241, kennedyr@michigan.gov 

Jennifer Houle 517-335-3339, houlej@michigan.gov

Fiscal Year 2011 Appropriation: 

$8,004,000