Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Grant

The Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Grant is administered by the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) to support projects that enhance and maintain Utah’s extensive OHV trail network. The program is funded by an annual allocation of $3.5 million from OHV registration fees, ensuring the availability and sustainability of trails, facilities, and safety initiatives. The grant program is structured into six funding categories, each designed to address different aspects of OHV recreation, including trail work, access protection, education, search and rescue (SAR), snowmobile projects, OHV tourism, and year-round land acquisition.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit OHV organizations incorporated in Utah. The grant requires that all funded projects be open for public use and directly benefit Utah’s OHV community. Projects that involve a mix of motorized and non-motorized recreation must secure matching funds to cover the non-motorized portion. All applicants must demonstrate how their projects will contribute to the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of Utah's OHV trails and facilities.

The OHV Recreation Grant follows a structured application timeline with two main grant cycles: Spring (February 1 - March 31, 2025) and Summer (June 2 - July 31, 2025). Early review deadlines are set for March 14, 2025, for the Spring cycle and July 15, 2025, for the Summer cycle. Applicants requesting more than $350,000 must schedule a consultation with the program administrator before applying. The grant awards range from $1,500 to $1,000,000, depending on the category, and require varying levels of matching funds, including a minimum 10% cash match for land acquisition projects.

Application requirements include a coordination form submission at least ten days before the grant cycle closes, supporting documentation such as location maps, letters of support, budget spreadsheets, and environmental clearance if applicable. The grant selection process involves internal reviews, scoring by the OHV Advisory Council, and final approval by the DOR’s Executive Director and the Department of Natural Resources. The evaluation criteria include project relevance, budget justification, partnerships, and the anticipated impact on OHV recreation in Utah.

Post-award responsibilities include annual progress reports, proper fund utilization, and adherence to the project timeline. Awardees can request up to 75% of their funding upfront in 25% increments, but they must demonstrate the necessity of the funds and provide expenditure proof within three months. Reimbursements of up to 75% are available before project completion, with the remaining balance released after all closeout documentation is submitted. All funded projects must maintain proper signage acknowledging grant support and ensure public access for at least 100 years in cases of land acquisition.

The OHV Recreation Grant prioritizes long-term sustainability, accessibility, and safety for Utah’s growing OHV community. For further inquiries, applicants can contact the OHV Program Administrator, Rachel Toker, at racheltoker@utah.gov, or visit recreation.utah.gov/grants/ohv-recreation-grant for additional details.