The Maine Trails Program
Bureau of Parks and LandsThe voters of Maine overwhelmingly supported the Maine Trails Bond in November 2024, leading to the creation of the Maine Trails Program the following year. Under guidance from the Maine Legislature, the bond will fund a total of $30M in trail capital improvements and acquisitions in the state.
The program is administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. It accepted inaugural applications in the summer of 2025, and the first awards were announced that November. Round 2 opened in February 2026, with applications due July 17, 2026. We anticipate that Round 3 will open in the winter of 2027 with applications due in June 2027. MTP grants are available to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and ATV and snowmobile clubs. To be eligible, organizations must be either a municipality or must be incorporated as a nonprofit (learn more here) with the Maine Secretary of State's Office. The Bureau of Parks and Lands manages the program and administers each aspect of the program including the guidelines, application process, project evaluation, fund distribution, budget approval, and all other relevant components. Visit the BPL website for the latest information. And be sure to take a few minutes to learn about MTP administrator Adam Fisher in this recent blog post! |
Resources from BPL:
Adam Fisher manages the Maine Trails Program at BPL.
|
MTC's Applicant ResourcesWhile the Bureau of Parks and Lands provides the official guidelines and administrative materials for the Maine Trails Program, the Maine Trails Coalition is here to help you navigate the process with confidence. We’ve developed a suite of peer-to-peer resources specifically tailored for local clubs, trail groups, and first-time applicants. Explore our custom step-by-step guides and connect with our MTC Ambassador Volunteer Program to get matched with an experienced mentor who can help guide your project from application to implementation.
|
|
|
MTP Ambassador VolunteersOur best resource is our people! MTC has a terrific group of Ambassador volunteers at the ready to help potential MTP applicants plan their projects, align with the program, and navigate the application process. Whether you're looking for a mentor in a specific sector, need more help understanding the mechanics of writing a proposal, or are looking for someone familiar with outdoor recreation in your geographic area, you can probably find an MTP Ambassador ready to help!
|
Each Ambassador is ready to chat, answer your questions, and guide you down the right trail (literally and figuratively). Download a PDF list that includes more information about each at this link: 2026 Ambassador Volunteer List
MTC's Applicant Tip Sheets
We've made a series of guidance documents to help applicants and grant recipients and have more in the works. Let us know if there are particular tools that would be useful to your organization as you work on an MTP proposal or implement a grant!
|
Guide to Organization Status and Tax Rules for First-Time MTP Applicants
This guide explains what your organization's legal status means for your grant application, how to save money using sales tax exemptions, and the basic administrative steps required to manage public funds. If you're not sure what it means to be recognized as a nonprofit by the State of Maine versus the IRS, or are interested in pursuing tax-exempt status to save money, this guide will help! |
|
Guide to MTP Contracting and Soliciting Bids
Whether you're planning ahead to understand whom you can hire to complete your project if you win a grant, or if you have a grant agreement in hand and are wondering what next, this guide explains what is required to hire the contractors needed. (Don't skip this one! If your organization fails to follow BPL's process you could jeopardize the award.) |
“The Maine Trails Program has been an incredibly valuable opportunity for our community. The application process was clear and supportive, and the program is helping us move forward with becoming a Trail Head for the Kennebec Valley Rail Trail system that will enhance outdoor recreation, improve accessibility, boost the local economy, and create a space that residents and visitors alike can enjoy.” |
If you’d like to discuss MTP with someone near you or with particular trails expertise, reach out to one of the Maine Trails Program Ambassador volunteers to schedule a conversation!
|
Quarry Road Trails, City of Waterville
