The Trail Stewardship Program (TSP) in Montana, established in 2019, supports the development, maintenance, and renovation of trails and shared-use paths across the state. Funded through a portion of Montana's $9 light vehicle registration fee and marijuana tax revenue, TSP has distributed approximately $5.6 million to 140 projects since its inception. For the 2025 grant cycle, $2 million is available for awards, with applications accepted from December 9, 2024, to January 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM MT.

Eligible projects for TSP funding include new trail and shared-use path construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of trails (including winter grooming), and construction or upkeep of trailside and trailhead facilities. Applications must be submitted through the WebGrants portal, with detailed guidance available in the TSP Application Guidelines. There is no minimum award amount, but the maximum grant award is $100,000 per project. A 10% match of total project costs is required from applicants.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in technical assistance opportunities, such as the recorded Grant Application Overview Webinar, to enhance their understanding of the application process and scoring criteria. Supporting forms and resources, including environmental review requirements and accessibility guidelines, are available to assist in preparing comprehensive applications.

Projects will be evaluated based on the scoring criteria outlined in the TSP materials, which assess alignment with program goals, feasibility, and potential impact. All awarded projects must adhere to TSP’s award management requirements, including financial reporting, status updates, and compliance with reimbursement guidelines. Applicants can access necessary forms and instructions through the TSP website.

For further inquiries or assistance, applicants can contact the TSP Program Manager, Hunter Harridge, at TSPGrants@mt.gov. Past award recipients and decision notices are publicly available to provide insight into previously funded projects and program expectations.