Priority Trail Maintenance Program

The objective of this assistance listing is to increase volunteer participation in maintaining trails on National Forest System lands. The program provides federal funding to eligible partner and volunteer organizations to complete trail maintenance projects in coordination with local Forest Service staff. Awards are issued through a competitive process to support projects that enhance trail conditions, public access, and stewardship of National Forest resources.

Awards for FY 2026 will be coordinated through the U.S. Forest Service Public Services Directorate. Partners will work with the National Trail Program to complete the application process.

The Public Services directorate (or National Trail Program) will approve the award and distribute the assistance. The successful applicant(s) must demonstrate ability to manage a comprehensive sub-awardee grant program dedicated to supporting trail stewardship organizations in their efforts to execute essential trail maintenance projects. Key factors include responsible financial management, sufficient staffing to oversee a successful sub-awardee grant program, including announcing sub-awardee funding opportunities and soliciting proposals, assisting with the evaluation and selection of projects based on standards set by the Forest Service, tracking and reporting on project completion, and establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with other organizations.
The assistance will pass through the initial applicant for further distribution to other non-Federal or State entities based on a competitive sub-award grant process.

The application or request will be approved or disapproved within 30 days.