ATV/UTV Trail Aids

The All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)/Utility-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) Trail Aids program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support the development, insurance, maintenance, and rehabilitation of ATV/UTV trails, areas, and routes across the state. The program provides financial aid to counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, and federal agencies engaged in managing and enhancing recreational off-road vehicle infrastructure. The funding is designed to promote safe and accessible motorized recreation while ensuring that local and regional trail systems are sustainable and well-maintained. The program reimburses eligible applicants for various costs associated with trail development and maintenance. Spring, summer, and fall trail maintenance can be reimbursed up to 100 percent, with a cap of $1,000 per mile. Winter trail maintenance is similarly reimbursable up to 100 percent, but rates vary from $100 to $300 per mile based on usage. Development projects, major trail or bridge rehabilitation, and maintenance of intensive use areas are also eligible, though the latter is reimbursed at a 50 percent rate. It is important to note that any costs incurred prior to the official grant approval are not reimbursable and may compromise the entire grant. Grant applications must be submitted to the regional DNR offices by April 15 each year for projects slated for the following season. Interested applicants are required to consult with their DNR grant project manager before applying to ensure project alignment with program requirements. The application process includes submission of forms such as the Outdoor Motorized Recreation Trail Aids Application (Form 8700-159), a cost estimate worksheet, and other supporting documentation. Additional guidance is provided through resources like the ATV Application Guidelines (CF-004) and the Trail Signing Handbook. The program employs a ranked priority system to distribute funds. The highest priority is maintenance of existing, approved trails, areas, and routes, followed by liability insurance acquisition, easement acquisition, major rehabilitation of trail infrastructure, and lastly, land acquisition and new trail development. This prioritization ensures that core infrastructure remains functional and safe before funding is allocated to expansion projects. Applicants can find support through the Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Council and regional trail coordinators. Jillian Steffes is the designated DNR contact for the program and can be reached at 715-210-4911. Additional information and resources, including forms and cost rate documents, are available through the Wisconsin DNR’s official website. The DNR also offers a notification system for updates related to the Governor's ORV Council and the ATV/UTV Trail Aids program.

Contact a DNR project manager before applying; ensure no expenses are incurred before official grant approval; refer to guidelines and cost sheets for accurate submissions.