<![CDATA[Maine Trails Coalition (MTC) - MTC Blog]]>Sat, 01 Aug 2026 22:36:51 -0400EditMySite<![CDATA[Help Shape Maine Trails Program Support: Take Our Quick Survey]]>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:04:43 GMThttps://www.mainetrailscoalition.org/blog/help-shape-maine-trails-program-support-take-our-quick-survey

Whether your organization applied in the recent round of the Maine Trails Program (MTP) or you are planning for future trail projects, we want to hear from you!

The Maine Trails Coalition (MTC) and other partners work alongside the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL, which administers the Maine Trails Program) to help organizations across the state navigate the application process. Your feedback directly shapes the practical guides, tip sheets, and workshops we offer to help groups of all sizes successfully apply for grants.

Beyond immediate applicant support, your input helps us understand the bigger picture: the real capital needs and long-term funding required to maintain and grow Maine’s trail networks.

What We’re Asking About

This survey was developed collaboratively by BPL and the Maine Trails Coalition to better understand the experiences of current and prospective Maine Trails Program applicants. It takes just a few minutes to complete and covers key areas including:

The new application portal: For those who applied this year, how was the process? Any tips to share, and what can we provide to help make applying more accessible in the next round?
For groups planning to apply: Why are you excited to apply, what makes you nervous, and how can we help?
Maintenance & capital needs: What are your group’s most pressing physical improvements over the next 1–3 years, from bridge replacements and trail hardening to accessibility and drainage?

Who Should Take the Survey?

Everyone involved in Maine trails! We need to hear from this year's applicants, successful grantees, and non-applicants alike. Even if your organization hasn't applied for an MTP grant yet, your perspective helps us build better resources and advocate for sustainable trail funding across Maine. Use the button below, or this shareable link:
https://forms.gle/Kdj9WkQveSrHJJ318

Take the Survey Here

Thank you for taking a few minutes to help us make trail grant funding
more accessible and effective for Maine communities!

Thank you also to the many partners in this work. MTC's Maine Trails Program Working Group includes representatives from a broad cohort of trail stakeholder groups, including snowmobile and ATV clubs, MTB, equestrians, land trusts, hiking groups, municipalities, and more.

]]><![CDATA[Built on Trust: The Long Game Behind The Katahdin Region’s Emerging Trail Networks]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 23:58:57 GMThttps://www.mainetrailscoalition.org/blog/built-on-trust-the-long-game-behind-the-katahdin-regions-emerging-trail-networksMaine Trails Program Grant at work in Northern Maine

Major trail networks aren’t built on single windfalls - they are built over time with stacked capital investments and deep community trust. Outdoor Sport Institute’s (OSI) recent success in Northern Maine proves exactly how powerful a diverse funding mix can be. By pairing a $1 million federal grant with a $250,000 Maine Trails Program (MTP) award, OSI has secured the vital state and federal pieces needed to accelerate a synchronized regional network known as Katahdin Area Trails (KAT).

This strategic capital stack is the engine behind the massive buzz currently surrounding the Katahdin Area Trails initiative. Between the communities of Island Falls, Millinocket, and Patten, an interconnected series of projects is underway to expand regional trail networks and build out community features. Led by OSI, the effort marks a major milestone for the new, bond-funded Maine Trails Program administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, showcasing exactly how state support can integrate with federal dollars to transform a region.

OSI will use the MTP funds to construct 1.6 miles of new shared-use track at Hammond Ridge, rehabilitate a key connector trail in the Millinocket community trail system, and carve out 2 miles of beginner singletrack in Island Falls starting this year. In early July, we talked with Mike Smith, Executive Director of OSI, to learn more about the nonprofit’s trail work in these communities and how they successfully secured significant federal and state funding for trail work in rural Maine.

Not an “Overnight Success”

Mike laughs wryly at the mention of all the attention recently aimed at OSI’s northern Maine projects. “It’s a classic case of an ‘overnight success’ that actually took many years of work,” he says, noting that these projects got their start 14 years ago, when he, his team, and local partners started “stomping around in the woods” there to evaluate the possibilities and start planning.

They also invested their time in the communities, talking with landowners, attending meetings, developing demo projects, and listening wherever they went. Much of that early work wasn’t even directly related to trails; they were focused on building partnerships, cultivating relationships with stakeholders, and “figuring out where there was energy.” Over time, a spark of enthusiasm for potential trails would build in one community, slowly spreading to others. “It has been a long, steady, consistent process to get to this point where we can advance something tangible,” says Mike.

"If you’re just out building relationships with people who are already excited about the same things you are, you’re not talking to the right people," Mike explains. "Ten years ago, we weren’t talking with mountain bikers. We were talking with ATV clubs, livability groups, and local civic organizations. We asked questions from a place of pure curiosity to learn what kinds of outdoor experiences they actually wanted, rather than starting with our own agenda.”

Laying the Groundwork for Regional Reach

To build the social infrastructure required to support a regional trail network, OSI took a highly deliberate, phased approach to planning. Once there was local support in a given community, they carefully planned where to begin. For example, in Millinocket they began with a project right behind the local school, directly connecting the classroom to the surrounding neighborhood, instead of chasing the most "photogenic" or high-profile trail segments first.

This strategic choice was about building immediate community utility and trust. Starting small, keeping local conversations going, and offering demo projects meant people could drive down the road to see tangible results. It’s exactly the kind of local, high-impact community connection the Maine Trails Program was designed to accelerate. Today, that momentum has evolved into a synchronized regional effort: while construction pushes forward in one community, design work is underway in another, and long-term planning takes place in a third.

Crucially, this growth hasn't been forced. By establishing an advisory committee composed entirely of local landowners and community members, OSI ensured that the people who actually own the land have a seat at the table. In towns like Island Falls, which holds significant municipal acreage, this collaborative approach has unlocked doors to brand-new local leadership.

OSI knew they needed to scale up internally before they could successfully deploy big capital. That internal growth positioned them perfectly to capitalize on new opportunities, allowing them to simultaneously capture major federal backing and crucial state support when the windows opened.

Building the Engine Before Filling the Tank

Many recent headlines have touted OSI’s success in securing major federal grants alongside MTP and other support. When talking about large-scale trail projects, it’s natural to focus on the significant costs involved. But Mike is quick to point out that setting lofty funding goals was not part of their work in the early years. In addition to all the community-level work, his organization needed to scale up internally.

Funding success and organizational capacity are two very different things,” says Mike. "Funding is just fuel in the tank. Capacity is how big your engine is.” Even five years ago, OSI wouldn’t have had the institutional knowledge, crew, or systems in place for projects of the scope they are undertaking now. “We had to grow our engine first, working under the belief that the funding would follow once we were actually ready to steward it."

That patience paid off. By proving they could handle complex regional work, OSI "stacked" multiple funding sources rather than relying on a single windfall. A $1.25 million federal Northern Borders Regional Commission Catalyst grant provides the broad funding base, while the $250,000 Maine Trails Program (MTP) grant targets specific local builds. "I am confident that we can be good stewards of the money granted for the project," Mike says. "Which is critical, because it's not our money—and they are not our trails."

Growing a Trail Culture

For OSI, the ultimate goal isn't just a physical asset; it is to create a resilient trails ecosystem. For every mile of trail built, they are actively calculating how it will be stewarded, who will maintain it, and how to build the social infrastructure needed for a mosaic of different landowners to handle major challenges such as significant storm damage.

While the economic benefits of trail tourism in the Katahdin region are undeniable, Mike views the true metric of success through a cultural lens. He recalls a message he recently received from a father in Patten, who sent over a photo of a kids' group bike ride utilizing a new Katahdin Area Trails system built by OSI and the Elliotsville Foundation.

"This is it," Mike says. "These kids are going to grow up with these trails right in their backyard as a standard expectation. Nobody sits around and questions why a town has a baseball diamond - it’s just a given. I want trails to be so embedded in the fabric of our communities that the people who live here simply demand them."

It’s a generational outlook that Mike, an Aroostook County native, saw firsthand growing up near the region's historic Nordic ski facilities, where access to world-class winter infrastructure has become a part of everyday local life following targeted development decades ago.

By taking the time to sit in small rooms around local tables, OSI isn't just connecting towns like Island Falls, Millinocket, and Patten with physical pathways. Alongside regional efforts like the Katahdin Collaborative and Katahdin Area Trails, they are helping build a cohesive, shared regional identity.

This generational shift is the real return on investment for the Maine Trails Program. While the combined MTP and NBRC funds will keep the dirt moving and construction crews busy for the next few years, the social infrastructure built by OSI helps ensure these state-supported trails will be loved, used, and protected for decades to come.

Learn more about OSI’s work by visiting their website,
and be sure to check out Katahdin Area Trails page too!

As we celebrate this milestone, the Maine Trails Coalition wants to extend thanks to the Bureau of Parks and Lands and the taxpayers of Maine. Your votes in 2024 are officially at work on the ground, removing barriers, and helping ensure that Maine’s spectacular outdoors are truly for everyone.

-Author Leigh Hallett served as the Director of the Maine Trails Coalition during the 2025–2026 implementation of the Maine Trails Program. This article is part of a special series documenting the local impact of MTP.

]]><![CDATA[MTP Grant Helps Rockland Residents Reach Forest Trails]]>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:42:33 GMThttps://www.mainetrailscoalition.org/blog/mtp-grant-helps-rockland-residents-reach-forest-trails

Selected as one of 44 projects statewide from over 100 Maine Trails Program (MTP) applications, Rockland’s Benner Hill Trail Development is proving just how vital state trail funding is for local communities. Backed with its $250,000 MTP grant, the City is kicking off construction on the highly anticipated project this July.

The ambitious project serves as a significant leap forward for the city's long-term Waterfront to Wilderness initiative, a decade-long vision to connect Rockland Harbor in the east to the pristine Rockland Bog in the west. When finished, the regional patchwork will span five to six miles of interconnected trails.

Pictured above on-site in mid-July are Travis Palmer (Maine Trail Builders), Steve Kasacek (Outdoor Sport Institute), Stu Johnson (Maine Trail Builders), Jared Lindsey (True North Trailworks), Wyatt (Midcoast Trails Stewardship), Jasper Guyer-Stevens (Midcoast Trails Stewardship), and Jenny Carter, City of Rockland.

Waterfront to Wilderness: The Vision Takes Shape

Until now, reaching robust, high-elevation hiking networks from Rockland required a car. For a high-density community of working residents and families, this meant outdoor recreation wasn't truly equitable, since those trails were out of reach for those without a vehicle or additional time to make the drive.

"When the state trail bond passed, it was a pretty serendipitous alignment for us, and really exciting, too," says Jenny Carter, Sustainability and Community Development Coordinator for the City of Rockland and staff lead for the Rockland Trails Group (RTG). "This project will bring Rockland’s Waterfront to Wilderness initiative from around 6% completion to about 30% completion. For the first time, Rockland residents will have a sustainable, natural-surface trail with real elevation gains right at their doorstep."

By reducing the transportation barrier, the new trail secures a fundamental benefit for downtown residents: the ability to easily step away from screens, leave the planning behind, and access the healing benefits of the Maine woods.

A Trail for Many Uses

By intent, the Benner Hill Trail Network will be multi-use, balancing the needs of an aging population and young families and suitable for daily dog walkers, hikers, and a passionate contingent of local mountain bikers. Since the trail is designed to support mountain biking, the plan incorporates gradual, flowing switchbacks that inherently make the terrain safer, more sustainable, and highly resilient against erosion.

The benefits will ripple directly into the lives of local youth by complementing existing initiatives at Rockland's regional school district:

Elementary School: The development of kid-friendly, shared-use nature paths is underway at Rockland’s elementary school campus. And through a partnership between the school, the city, and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, kindergarten through fifth grade students build foundational biking skills each year at Rockland’s Bike to Work and School Day.
Middle School: Thanks to a recently launched mountain biking program and the nearby Thomaston Town Forest, middle-schoolers will advance their comfort level on bikes and in the woods.
High School: The Benner Hill Trail Network sits west of the high school, and the city’s Waterfront to Wilderness initiative will continue building connections eastward. The network will offer students immediate, independent access to advanced trails.

"When it’s right at your doorstep, there’s so much less planning involved," Carter notes. "A kid can say, 'I’m going biking or hiking after school,' head straight out, and easily be back in time for dinner."

Partnerships Cultivate Community Spirit and Capacity

To meet the grant's local match requirements, Rockland is relying heavily on local volunteerism and municipal teamwork. The city's Public Services Department is constructing the trailhead parking lot, while the city manager and city council have thrown their full support behind the economic and community vitality the trails will bring.

Stewardship and construction will be a collaborative, team effort:

Maine-based expertise: The city worked with the Outdoor Sport Institute (OSI) on the trail design and will bring them in to oversee construction alongside Maine Trail Builders. Because this is Rockland’s first natural-surface trail project at this scale, working with OSI will help city staff build internal capacity to manage future trail developments independently.
Stewardship: Many community groups are involved in supporting the project. For example, the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Georges River Land Trust already host volunteer invasive species removal workshops in Rockland, and the city plans to add the Benner Hill trailhead as a new workshop site.
Volunteerism: The city will help organize and promote four public volunteer trail-building days, tapping into Rockland's robust, skilled volunteer base and building community engagement around the project.

Supporting the Local Economy

Beyond the immediate mental and physical health benefits for locals, the project serves as a smart investment in Rockland’s livability and economy. Projects such as this tend to not only bolster outdoor gear retailers and bike shops but also other area businesses. When people stay in town or visit the area for recreation, they are more likely to shop and dine locally as well.

"Access to high-quality outdoor recreation is huge in terms of the livability of a place," says Carter. "This project will be really impactful in that way, and it’s a catalyst to help all the other projects in the works become realistic. It feels like the perfect time to grow Rockland’s outdoor assets."

Construction on the project begins this July with the parking area. To keep trail builders safe and ensure construction efficiency, there will be no public access to the site during the build. The city plans to host a grand opening community event in September or October of 2027 following the target completion date of August 15, 2027.

As we celebrate this milestone, the Maine Trails Coalition wants to extend thanks to the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Thank you also to the taxpayers of Maine - your votes in 2024 are officially at work on the ground, removing barriers, and helping ensure that Maine’s spectacular outdoors are truly for everyone.

Learn more about the Benner Hill Trail Development Project by visiting the project page on the City’s website.

-Author Leigh Hallett served as the Director of the Maine Trails Coalition during the 2025–2026 implementation of the Maine Trails Program. This article is part of a special series documenting the local impact of MTP.

]]><![CDATA[Waterville’s Quarry Road Trails Puts MTP Funds to Work]]>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:54:19 GMThttps://www.mainetrailscoalition.org/blog/watervilles-quarry-road-trails-puts-mtp-funds-to-work

From Winter Haven to Year-Round Hub

As summer reaches its peak, the historic Maine Trails Program (MTP) is visibly transforming the landscape of Maine’s outdoor recreation.

Funded by the state's 2024 Trails Bond and administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, this historic grant program is empowering local communities to turn long-held trail dreams into physical reality.

Located along the Messalonskee Stream, QRT is part of the Kennebec Valley region (photo courtesy of the City of Waterville).

In Waterville, the city-owned Quarry Road Trails (QRT) recreation area is currently executing a multi-phase upgrade that is redefining the park's seasonal cycle. Known traditionally as a premier winter destination, Quarry Road is utilizing a $250,000 MTP award to aggressively expand its summer footprint, building out critical single-track trails and a versatile new trailhead facility to anchor year-round public programming.

Mountain Biking Takes Off

According to Jeff Tucker, Waterville’s Parks and Recreation Quarry Road Trails Program Director, the MTP grant has unlocked a project that the city has been pursuing for over a decade. Crews have already completed construction on the first of four planned single-track trail expansions: a three-quarter-mile trail intentionally designed for beginners.

This new trail has been a goal for Quarry Road Trails advocates for ten to fifteen years, according to Jeff. "Previously, our trail network was dominated by more technical trails that weren't accessible to everyone. We wanted to create a trail where hikers, casual walkers, and beginner-level mountain bikers could all feel comfortable."

Located on the East side of the park between the access road and a prominent escarpment, the new trail takes advantage of the park's flattest and driest terrain. Securing the route required navigating a land use agreement with accommodating local private landowners, a partnership that paved the way for the city’s successful MTP application.

The construction bid was awarded to Central Maine NEMBA (CeMeNEMBA), a group that brought deep familiarity to the project having previously built trails at Quarry Road and the nearby Pine Ridge system. Taking advantage of dry weather windows, the crew has already completed vital bridge work and opened the first trail to the public.

Some years ago, QRT constructed a new trail along the Messalonkee Stream. Organizers quickly realized that the new trail was bringing in a whole new group of users, including families, beginners, and advanced riders alike. Following that success, the park has seen a steady increase in summer visitors. Whereas QRT used to be known as a winter destination, the warm weather months now form an important part of the park’s seasonal cycle, making additional investment a logical step.

Likewise, the new MTP-funded trail will see constant summer use in the years ahead. And so far, early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, since it provides an accessible, low-barrier experience for trail users of all abilities.

"I’ve seen mountain biking really take off here," Jeff notes. “It’s really cool to see how many people are using the trails, like group rides departing from the parking lot at the end of the workday.” This project makes outdoor recreation even more accessible to area residents, workers, and visitors, advancing an important goal for the City and the park's volunteers.

New Trail Through an Old Quarry

With the beginner trail open, CeMeNEMBA has already begun laying out the next phase of the single-track project, which will introduce three distinct, mountain-bike-specific sectors by the end of the summer.

One sector will feature a dedicated downhill trail, a unique option that will significantly round out the park’s trail diversity. Another highly anticipated loop will wind directly through an abandoned 19th-century slate and shale quarry.

"The old quarry is a geologically unique feature that used to be a draw for hikers even before the park formally opened," Jeff explains. "We've never been able to safely take advantage of it until now. Soon, trail users will be able to ride right through it and learn about its history." Visitors will even be able to scan an on-site QR code linked to a Maine Public documentary detailing the site's historical significance.

Public-Private Partnership Success

The Friends are a vital part of the functioning of the park. Not only does the volunteer group conduct much of the fundraising and hands-on work at the site, they also provide a vital connection between the municipal leaders and the park’s stakeholders.

In fact, Jeff credits much of the success of QRT’s MTP application to the comprehensive Trails Plan developed in 2020 and recently expanded by the Friends of Quarry Road Trails. He says the group's investment in detailed trail planning meant that, "we weren't going in blind during the MTP application or the contractor bidding process. We knew our exact trail types and costs."

As an added benefit, because so much of the planning was conducted by and with the Friends, the plan went through multiple community stakeholder channels before being finalized. "This process flagged vital project components city staff wouldn't have thought to include on our own," notes Jeff.

Hanna Bouchard, President of the Friends of Quarry Road, attributes much of the venue’s overall success to the work of the volunteer group. Reflecting on the early days of the site, she says, “The area was an overgrown thicket at the end of a nearly-impassable road until local individuals came together with the City to turn it into Waterville’s largest park. We’re proud to be the City’s partner for continued development at the park and we are grateful to the many private and public partners and donors who have financially enabled this venue to bring the joys of accessible outdoor recreation to thousands of Mid-Maine residents and beyond.”

Building an Outdoor "Swiss Army Knife"

The MTP funding stretches far beyond dirt and bridges. At QRT, construction is set to begin later this summer on a brand-new trailhead building, which will be constructed by the city's Public Works Department and completed by November 2026.

Jeff describes the future facility as a "Swiss Army Knife building" - a highly adaptable, multi-purpose space designed to serve both summer and winter operations. The building will be used to host events, house trail maintenance operations, and eventually anchor a community "gear hub" stocked with mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks, and other equipment. The goal is to ensure central Maine residents have both the high-quality trails and the necessary equipment right in their backyards.

This facility focus will also deepen regional collaborations, such as Quarry Road's partnership with nearby Skowhegan Outdoors (an initiative of Main Street Skowhegan). Skowhegan’s facilitators regularly lead free skills clinics and community programs at the Quarry Road facilities. "They are doing cool things that everyone needs to keep their eyes on," Jeff says. "It’s amazing to see towns just up the road learning from each other and collaborating to eliminate barriers to the outdoors."

Weathering the Storm with Climate Resistance

The MTP projects getting underway at Quarry Trails now build upon a recently-completed $1.5 million renovation of the park's access road and parking lot, funded by the Northern Borders Regional Commission (NBRC) and the USDA. For Jeff, the timing of the state and federal funding couldn't be more critical as central Maine confronts increasingly severe and unpredictable weather patterns.

"The soils here are not great, and we are constantly fighting drainage. Increased, intense rain events are the hot topic now," Jeff explains. "It used to be that an inch of rain meant standing water in the parking lot, and our Nordic ski trails would regularly turn into hockey rinks. Now, the new infrastructure sheds water beautifully. We had heavy rain last night, but I'm walking around the site today and it's completely dry and usable."

Once the single-track trails and building are finalized, the city next will pivot to using in-house labor to upgrade culverts and rehabilitate its classic Nordic ski trails.

The park's early development focused on development the Nordic ski trail system, which a former Olympic skier helped plan. Friends President Hanna Bouchard celebrates the park's expansion over the years, saying, “Quarry Road Trails has now become a regional recreation hub for winter sports, mountain biking, hiking and paddling!” (Read more about the park's history here.)

Reflecting on the scale of the state's investment, Jeff notes how the MTP grant acts as the vital final piece of the park's puzzle. "We are incredibly thankful for the federal road and parking infrastructure funding, but the $250,000 from the Maine Trails Program is the highly impactful stuff that makes more community programming possible. It will significantly enhance our ability to host events and welcome people to what should feel like a shared backyard for everyone in central Maine."

The city plans to host an official open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony in the fall of 2026 to celebrate the completed trail network and welcome the community to the new space.

]]><![CDATA[Maine Trails Program Funding Helps Transform Long Creek Trail]]>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.mainetrailscoalition.org/blog/breaking-ground-in-south-portland-how-the-maine-trails-program-is-transforming-the-long-creek-trailSouth Portland - This summer marks an exciting milestone for outdoor spaces across the state as the historic Maine Trails Program (MTP) officially enters its first major implementation phase. Created by the Maine Legislature following overwhelming voter approval for the 2024 Trails Bond, the MTP is administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Though the first round of grant awards was announced just six months ago, several highly anticipated, community-led projects are already underway.

One such MTP grant recipient is the South Portland Land Trust (SPLT). The organization is using a $139,000 MTP grant to reshape its Long Creek Trail. The project will transform an established, urban hillside trail into a more inclusive community resource designed to welcome visitors of various interests, backgrounds, and physical abilities.

In mid-June, just as crews officially broke ground (the big day is pictured at right), we spoke with Tex Haeuser, SPLT Board President, to discuss the project’s deep neighborhood roots and what this funding means for an all-volunteer land trust and its stakeholders.

An Urban Oasis

The Long Creek Trail is a unique asset because of its location. Situated on the former Brick Hill site (visible to commuters traveling along I-295) the trail serves as a vital nature experience right in the middle of a densely developed urban landscape. The surrounding neighborhood features a vibrant mix of market-rate homes, healthcare offices, non-profit centers like The Opportunity Alliance, and affordable housing units managed by Avesta Housing, which include four large, historic three-story brick cottages that many new Mainers now call home.

The trail snakes along a wooded hillside overlooking a scenic estuary where visitors can spot deer and native birds just steps from their front doors. However, despite being a major neighborhood amenity, the trail was not seeing extensive use.

"People in the community told us they weren’t using it because it felt inaccessible and too steep," Tex explained. "Although SPLT was providing this wonderful resource for the city, people couldn’t utilize it because of the terrain barriers.”

In an era increasingly dominated by screen time and digital isolation, having a nearby natural space is vital - but only if people can actually reach it. By transforming the Long Creek Trail, SPLT isn't just fixing a path. They are building the fundamental health infrastructure a dense neighborhood needs to step away from technology, find peace in nature, and connect as a community.

“Through this grant, we won’t be able to make the trail fully ADA-accessible,” Tex noted, “but we can make it a lot more accessible for everyday people."

Small Land Trust - Impactful Project

For Tex, a former planning director for the City of South Portland, taking on the extensive grant writing and sitemap design was a natural fit, though it was the land trust's very first time navigating an application of this scale. He noted that the state's application process was comprehensive and highly organized, but acknowledged that the administrative steps can be time-consuming for smaller entities.
Fortunately, the support system built into the program made a massive difference.

SPLT has worked closely with Adam Fisher, who manages the Maine Trails Program, to stay on track.
"We were initially concerned about whether we could get the answers we needed in a timely way," Tex said. "But Adam was extremely responsive. I appreciate the heck out of it - he’s been a massive help through the administrative process."

With its $139,000 MTP grant, SPLT plans to widen the trail’s walking tread, significantly reduce steep slopes and grades, and install new signage (including three interpretive panels highlighting the rich history of Brick Hill and the local estuary environment). After putting the project out to bid over the winter, they broke ground on the project June 17, 2026.

The Role of Volunteers

While professional trail builders are handling the technical grading, the project is also generating a strong grassroots response. To facilitate the project and to help fulfill its in-kind matching requirement, SPLT put out a call for volunteers to help clear vegetation around the trail’s entrance and assist with other tasks during the contractor’s active workday hours. The response was robust, with 16 volunteers signed up already.

When asked why so many people are eager to volunteer for trail maintenance, Tex noted the universal human desire to connect with the land. "Some people just love to get out there in nature. It gives them a profound sense of personal ownership, provides great exercise, and acts as a wonderful community activity."

Dedicated SPLT volunteer Bob Foster "holds a grudge against dead tree limbs overhanging trails"!

Looking Ahead: Welcoming All to the Woods

Because the South Portland Land Trust manages a geographically compact network of trails with an entirely volunteer board and no paid staff, Tex is candid about the fact that this transformation would have been impossible without the state-funded bond.

"Our opportunities to acquire new land are limited due to the built-out nature of the city, so we focus heavily on stewardship and education. We operate on a small budget. While we might have eventually identified this as a priority and tried to fundraise around it, raising $139,000 on our own, even over a multi-year campaign, would have been very difficult, if not impossible."

The construction is slated to conclude by August 2026, culminating in a celebration hosted by the SPLT Board of Directors. But the work won't stop when the trail opens. Recognizing that some of the area residents aren't entirely comfortable heading into the woods alone, the land trust plans to coordinate a series of guided tours and exploration.

Across its trail network, SPLT regularly hosts guided walks, bird-watching events, and naturalist tours to build comfort and familiarity. Visit the land trust’s website (www.southportlandlandtrust.org) to learn more about the trails they manage, upcoming events, and to sign up for SPLT’s quarterly newsletter.

People tend to value access to the outdoors and believe that fresh air and exercise benefit health. However, it can be difficult to get to natural areas with accessible trails. Notes Tex, "Particularly in densely built-up areas, it is incredibly neat to be able to go out in the middle of all this development, find yourself in the quiet woods overlooking an estuary, and watch deer walk by. This trail will be open to everyone, and neighbors from across the region will be able to enjoy it safely."

As we celebrate this important project, the Maine Trails Coalition wants to extend thanks to the Bureau of Parks and Lands and the taxpayers of Maine! Your votes in 2024 are now having impact on the ground, removing barriers, and helping ensure that Maine’s outdoors are truly for everyone.

Learn more about the South Portland Land Trust and plan your next visit to the Long Creek Trail by visiting southportlandlandtrust.org.

####

-Author Leigh Hallett served as the Director of the Maine Trails Coalition during the 2025–2026 implementation of the Maine Trails Program. This article is part of a special series documenting the local impact of MTP.

]]><![CDATA[The MTP Application is Now Online!]]>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.mainetrailscoalition.org/blog/mtp-application-moves-online

It's the news we've all been waiting for - the Maine Trails Program application process will be online via a digital portal this year. This is great news for applicants because it will make the process easier and help prevent errors. (In fact, you can't even hit "submit" if any required documents are missing!) Grant recipients will be able to track their funds and reporting through the portal as well. Find the link on the MTP webpage.

Here are a few important points about the new process:

The new portal, called Submittable, changes how applications are submitted, but does not change the application requirements. The application questions, required attachments, and supporting documentation remain the same.
Paper applications may still be submitted. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
Anyone unfamiliar with Submittable should watch the short Applicant Tutorial Video before beginning their application.
The Submittable Applicant Help Center and FAQ page is always available with info about creating an account, managing submissions, password resets, and other technical issues.
As ever, start the application process on the MTP page! (Find it here.)

The Bureau of Parks and Lands Grants and Community Recreation Program team has been working intensively to get the portal set up in time for this year's applicants. Kudos to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry for making this milestone possible!

]]><![CDATA[Maine Trails Program Success Story: Breaking Barriers at Old Boston Preserve]]>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.mainetrailscoalition.org/blog/maine-trails-program-success-story-breaking-barriers-at-old-boston-preserve

Ogunquit - The Maine Trails Program (MTP) is currently the most robust and accessible funding mechanism available for trails in our state. Created following overwhelming voter support for the 2024 Trails Bond, the program is administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Though the first round of historic grant awards was announced just six months ago, several highly anticipated projects are already underway. In Ogunquit, the Great Works Regional Land Trust (GWRLT) is using this crucial state investment to turn a long-held community dream into a tangible reality this summer with the construction of its first universally accessible trail at Old Boston Preserve.

"For Everyone, Forever"

The Great Works Regional Land Trust’s guiding motto is “For everyone, forever.” But true access requires intention. Leaders there realized that for people with limited mobility, traditional conservation lands remain out of reach. In fact, across the six towns GWRLT serves, their 22 existing trail networks all shared a familiar Maine characteristic: terrain dominated by roots and rocks. That is changing at the Old Boston Preserve in Ogunquit.

Thanks to a critical infusion of funding from the Maine Trails Program, GWRLT is currently constructing the first Universal Access trail in its network. When completed this fall, the project will feature a one-mile, universally accessible looping trail.

"Without the Maine Trails Program, this project simply would not exist," says Katherine Derby, GWRLT’s Development Director. "We are a non-profit, and building a legitimate, safe Universal Access trail that protects the surrounding environment is an expensive undertaking. The MTP filled our funding hole completely."

History Meets Ecological Diversity

The Old Boston Preserve is a beautiful, ecologically vital parcel of land adjacent to the Ogunquit River. For generations, the land was cared for by the Boston family descendents, and hints of its agricultural past still linger. Visitors walking the trail will pass historic stone walls, old cellar foundations, blooming lilac bushes, a family cemetery, and the distinct outlines of old farm roads. (See photos below of some artifacts at the site.)

The preserve is also a hotspot for biodiversity, boasting vibrant populations of fungi, a mix of old and new-growth forests, and excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Since GWRLT acquired the property in 2020 the trail system was designed to be a Universal Access Trail. With the MTP grant, GWRLT was able to hire a professional trail builder to install the trail as planned by a professional trail designer. Work began in the early spring and will be complete by summer's end, providing a trail free of obstructions, with a smooth surface and gentle grades to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers of varying ability.

Unlike many accessible paths that consist of short, flat boardwalks near a parking lot, this project is unique: it is a true, immersive loop located "legitimately in the woods," notes Katherine, allowing every visitor to experience forest immersion and connection with nature.

A Lasting Public Benefit for Maine Taxpayers

Because the trail is already a permanent fixture of GWRLT’s protected holdings, this project is a shining example of a lasting public benefit. It will remain free, open, and protected for generations to come.

While Ogunquit is known worldwide as a bustling tourist destination, this trail is a profound quality-of-life investment for local Maine families. It opens up a space where multi-generational activities can finally happen together. Soon a grandparent using a walker, a parent pushing a stroller, and a young child can all share a walk in the woods with equal dignity and independence.

"Seeing these projects take shape so quickly is a powerful reminder that investments in trails deliver tangible benefits for Maine communities,” says Adam Fisher, Maine Trails Program Coordinator at the Bureau of Parks and Lands. “The work happening on the ground today will create outdoor experiences that people can enjoy for generations.”

Community Excitement is Growing

The public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Because the trail has remained open during construction, community members who regularly walk the preserve are watching the daily progress with excitement and reaching out with encouraging feedback. The project has also served as a wonderful opportunity to educate the public on what true universal accessibility means for outdoor recreation.

GWRLT is working closely with the Town of Ogunquit, local representatives, and the Chamber of Commerce. As the project nears its fall completion date, the land trust plans to host town officials and community members for a grand opening celebration.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, the Maine Trails Coalition wants to extend thanks to the Bureau of Parks and Lands and the taxpayers of Maine. Your votes in 2024 are now having impact on the ground, removing barriers, and helping ensure that Maine’s outdoors are more accessible for everyone.

Learn more about the Great Works Regional Land Trust and plan your next visit to the Old Boston Preserve by visiting gwrlt.org.

]]><![CDATA[From the Red Rocks of Utah to the Rocky Coast of Maine]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.mainetrailscoalition.org/blog/from-the-red-rocks-of-utah-to-the-rocky-coast-of-maineBuilding Trail Literacy:
Julia Neumann Connects Maine Youth to the AT

For some, the "magic of the outdoors" is a hobby discovered later in life, but Julia Neumann discovered it early. Growing up in Utah, the desert and mountains weren't just scenery, they were the places where she spent countless hours with her parents from an early age. From canoeing and kayaking to cross-country skiing and backpacking, Julia spent her childhood immersed in Utah’s rugged outdoors whenever possible.

But even a lifelong adventurer can find a new kind of magic. When Julia moved to Maine for college, she discovered a unique geographical jackpot. "I used to tell my friends back home that Maine is the perfect state," she laughs, "because it has the ocean and the mountains. You get the whitewater and the coastline all in one place."

Youth leadership

While Julia found a home at Bates College, the isolation of the pandemic meant finding her own path to the Maine outdoors. Before long, she had built a network of fellow adventurers. That path eventually led her to Chewonki, where she took a position after graduation. She describes her season of outdoor youth leadership with the Wiscasset foundation as “one of the hardest and most important” experiences of her life.

Leading trips for kids aged 7 to 17, Julia found herself guiding groups through the Maine woods for up to two weeks at a time. "At first, I wondered, 'How am I supposed to lead them through the woods?'" she admits. She treated her campers like adults, chatting with them with a level of respect that fostered autonomy and trust.

Through the challenges of cooking over open fires and navigating tough terrain, Julia watched her students transform. "Many kids realized they could do hard things. It instills a confidence you just can't teach in a classroom." But the learning went both ways. "The kids taught me to slow down and be in the moment more. You can never take that for granted."

A New Mission: Accessibility and Inclusion

Now Julia is channeling that confidence into a new role as an AmeriCorps volunteer with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC). As MATC’s Outreach Steward, she looks forward to a busy year ahead. Based in Portland, she has been spending her winter months building the foundation for an impactful 2026 season.

Her mission is clear: accessibility. "I’ve been lucky to grow up in a position where the outdoors was accessible to me," Julia says. "I’m looking forward to offering free, inclusive, outdoor experiences to people who haven't had them before. To help people explore territory that may have seemed unwelcoming to them, that will be magical."

Julia is especially passionate about reaching underserved communities and people with physical differences. Inspired by her personal connections, she has already reached out to organizations like Maine Adaptive to find ways to bridge the gap between the trail and those who want to experience it but might feel discouraged.

Education Through Action

Julia isn’t just thinking about getting people to the trail; she’s focused on teaching them how to care for it. She is currently developing interactive curricula to work with kids in classrooms, enrichment programs, library events, and elsewhere. Julia offers programs that focus on:

Leave No Trace: Drawing on her Utah roots, she recalls an admonition from her childhood: "Don't bust the crust." Just as the desert's biological crust is fragile, so too are Maine’s sand dunes and alpine ecosystems.
History of Place: Exploring the history of the Wabanaki Confederacy in relation to the Appalachian Trail.
Ecology: Helping students understand more about carbon cycles and our local ecosystems.

A Shared Commitment to Stewardship

MTC celebrates the vital contributions of AmeriCorps service members across the state and values the Maine Appalachian Trail Club as a key partner in our shared work to educate the public about caring for Maine’s natural areas. We are especially glad to welcome Julia as a young leader bringing new opportunities and energy to the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts!

In late February, Julia joined us at our 2026 Trails Workforce Summit, where she contributed to the conversations and debates. Reflecting on the gathering, Julia noted, "Attending the Summit was eye-opening, seeing the breadth of expertise in Maine. I met everyone from master trail builders to land trust managers to conservationists. It reminded me that the kids I work with now will have so many ways to contribute to outdoor recreation and conservation in the future if they wish.”

Join the Journey

Though her work is currently remote, Julia is eager for spring to arrive so she can get out on the trails and meet the community in person. Whether she's passing out fliers at an expo or organizing trail work projects with fellow volunteers, she has a simple message for the Maine outdoor community: "Just shoot me an email and I’ll be there."

She is currently looking for invitations to events, conferences, and expos where she can share her passion for the AT and inclusive recreation. Armed with activities designed to help kids become comfortable with outdoor adventure, Julia is looking for more opportunities this winter and spring. Get in touch and she will work with you to provide programming to excite the kids in your class or group and leave them eager to get out on the trail! Reach Julia at americorpoutreach@matc.org

Favorite Day Trip: Giant’s Stairs Trail in Harpswell, ME. She calls it her, “favorite place to go for a day trip, picnic, walk, sit and read, you name it!”
Leave No Trace Pet Peeve: People who carelessly step off-trail in fragile environments. "Respect the ground you're standing on!"
Recently Read: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. "A beautiful connection between biological knowledge and Traditional Indigenous Knowledge."

]]><![CDATA[Meet Adam Fisher, at the Helm of Maine’s New Trail Program]]>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.mainetrailscoalition.org/blog/meet-adam-fisher-at-the-helm-of-maines-new-trail-program

Last November was a milestone for Maine’s great outdoors. Just a year after voters showed overwhelming support for the 2024 Maine Trails Bond, the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) officially brought the effort full circle by announcing the first round of Maine Trails Program (MTP) awards.

Leading the charge into this new era is Adam Fisher, BPL’s Maine Trails Program Manager. We caught up with Adam to talk about his journey from Alaska to Maine, the whirlwind of launching a multi-million dollar program, and where to find the best pastries in the Pine Tree State.

From the Last Frontier to the Pine Tree State

Adam grew up in Southeast Alaska and knows a thing or two about rugged landscapes. After earning his MS in Watershed Science from Utah State University, life brought him to Maine in 2019 when his husband began graduate work at USM. For Adam, the move felt like a homecoming.

"Moving to Maine meant a return to the kind of rural communities I knew growing up," Adam says. He and his husband settled in Gorham with their two dogs; Tucker, a seasoned 10-year-old hound, and Pepita, a high-energy one-year-old Australian Shepherd.

Before joining the BPL, Adam spent four years as a scientist with the EPA. But when a 2025 restructuring gave him the choice between moving to NYC and keeping his job or staying in Maine, the choice was easy. He wanted to stay rooted here, doing work that offered a more direct connection to the community.

Diving into the Deep End

Adam hit the ground running in July 2025. With the first MTP deadline only three months away, he jumped straight into the thick of program administration. The stakes were high, and the demand was even higher.

The hard work paid off. On November 26, 2025, the BPL team sent out award letters to 44 organizations, notifying them that their proposals had won grants totaling $7.5 million.

“In the federal government, I felt like I was five steps removed from the outcome of my work,” Adam explains. “With the Maine Trails Program, I’m just two steps removed. I can go out on a trail, see what needs repair, and observe the project all the way to completion.”

Looking Ahead: More Trails, Less Paperwork

The first round of the new grant program was a resounding success, but Adam isn't resting on his laurels. In the inaugural round, BPL received 108 submissions covering all 16 Maine counties, reflecting the huge need for trails safety improvements, erosion control, infrastructure enhancements, and expansions.
Adam’s goal for the future is to make the program more "approachable and accessible." He’s already looking at ways to:

Simplify the process: Implementing a simple online application for the next round.
Encourage collaboration: Facilitating regional applications so smaller organizations can team up.
Incorporate feedback: "I come at it with empathy," Adam says regarding the complex application process. "The program is new, and there is a lot of room for it to grow."

Life Beyond the Clock

When he isn't streamlining grant applications, you’ll likely find Adam on the move. He’s an avid trail runner, a Nordic skier, and a brave soul who plans to participate in a winter swimming festival in February.

He’s also a fan of less athletic pursuits, with a penchant for visiting local bakeries. He’s always looking for recommendations for a great croissant or a cardamom bun to fuel his next adventure.

What’s next for Adam?

The second round of the Maine Trails Program opens in early 2026, with projects due in June. Adam hopes to see another 100+ applications. In the meantime, he’s eager to get out into the community. Whether it’s a statewide conference or a local trail-building event, Adam is looking to connect with the people who make Maine’s trails possible.

Is your organization hosting an event, or maybe you’d like to show Adam around your trails or facilities? Reach out directly and send him an invite: Adam.C.N.Fisher@maine.gov (207) 955-0157.

]]><![CDATA[A Year of Gratitude and Growth for Maine’s Trails]]>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.mainetrailscoalition.org/blog/a-year-of-gratitude-and-growth-for-maines-trails

The past year has been remarkable for Maine’s trail networks. The overwhelming support for the trails bond last fall immediately fueled the launch of the brand-new Maine Trails Program (MTP). As we enter the holiday season, we have much to be grateful for, especially the dedication of the organizations and volunteers working to make Maine’s trails better.

The Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) moved rapidly to establish the program. Bureau staff not only defined the new program and application process but also took their show on the road, offering workshops and trainings around the state and online. Meanwhile, the MTC (with the support of the Natural Resources Council of Maine) ramped up our MTP Task Force and Ambassador volunteer network to support applicants.

Learning from Round One

By the September 29, 2025 deadline, BPL had received a remarkable 105 applications in the program’s inaugural round (read more here). Congratulations to all who successfully navigated the process and submitted applications. We also extend a huge thank you to the volunteer members of BPL’s Advisory Committee, each of whom reviewed 40+ applications during the intense evaluation period.
While applicants eagerly await the announcement of funded projects (expected before year-end), BPL is already preparing for the next round, anticipated to begin in early 2026. This makes learning from the first round crucial.

To inform the next cycle, we joined forces with the MTP Ambassador volunteers to conduct the MTP Stakeholder Survey. The survey recently closed, gathering a total of 144 responses from a wide variety of trails groups across the state. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey! Your input is invaluable.

Initial Survey Highlights:

Diversity: About 40% of responses came from motorized trail groups (snowmobile and ATV), with the balance including municipalities, land trusts, mountain bike groups, equestrian organizations, and other nonprofits.
Challenges: There are clear trends in the feedback indicating that some parts of the application process were challenging, prompting many narrative responses about why groups didn't apply or what their process was like.
Support: Despite the difficulties, there is overwhelming support for the program's existence and appreciation for the BPL team. Comments included: "Very glad this program exists," "This is a much needed program," and "The workshops were instrumental in our decision to apply." Typical phrases used to describe the BPL team were, “extremely helpful and responsive” and “diligent.”

Next Steps

Planning for 2026December will be another busy month for the program's partners as BPL prepares for the next round:

MTP Task Force Review: Our Task Force, including Ambassador volunteers, will meet to analyze and prioritize the survey data. The team will pinpoint priorities for training and resources they can help provide in 2026.
Advisory Committee Debrief: BPL will convene its MTP Advisory Committee mid-month. Task Force representatives will attend to share the survey findings and prioritized suggestions. (While the final decisions rest with the Bureau, the survey feedback establishes clear themes regarding successes and challenges of the process.)

We anticipate that BPL will release the guidelines for the next round of the MTP program in early 2026. Publication of the package of guidelines and application materials, often called a “Request for Proposals” (RFP), signals that the program is officially finalized for the next round and is accepting applications. The next RFP will likely have a deadline of June, 2026. Thank you to the BPL team for keeping up the MTP momentum and completing the first round this year!

Stay Connected

To receive MTP news, including award announcements and updates on the next round:

Sign up for the Maine Trails Coalition newsletter.
Subscribe to BPL’s Trail Grant Notices list.

Subscribe to BPL Trail Grant Notices

If you work with a trails organization and would like to volunteer as an MTP Ambassador to help others apply, please email mainetrailscoalition@gmail.com.

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