When do you send out the applications?
Notification announcements for the 2010 Recreational Trails Grand Fund will be mailed to all those on our mailing list in the early part of August 2009. Applications and Guidelines can also be downloaded from our website http://wyotrails.state.wy.us.

What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2010 Recreational Trails Grant Fund is October 3 th , 2009 at 5:00PM . This means that our Cheyenne office must have received your completed application with the appropriate number of copies at this time. We will not accept applications after that time or applications or copies that are not complete.

Can I e-mail you the application?
We DO NOT accept applications via e-mail or fax except for the electronic advance copy (see guidelines).

Can we download the application from your web site?
The 2010 Recreational Trails Grant Fund Guidelines and application are available from our website: You may download them for your use however, we do not accept applications via e-mail or fax. Please Note : The 2010 Guidelines and Applications may be revised according to the desires of the Trails Advisory Council. Please make sure you download any updated version.

Where does the money come from?
Funds for this program are derived from federal gas taxes paid on non-highway recreation fuel used in off-highway vehicles, including snowmobiles, ATV's, off-highway motorcycles and four-wheel drive light utility vehicles. The Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Trails Program administers this funding.

Who can apply for funding?
These grants can be applied for by local, state and federal agencies and to qualifying private organizations. Projects must meet the following requirements: 1. Have identified a need which corresponds to one of the eligible activities in trails development or trail related project; 2. Have the necessary resources available to meet the financial requirements; 3. Have addressed a methodology for long-term maintenance; 4. Assure public access for a specified amount of time; 5. Have the ability to manage the paperwork associated with a grant project

How much money is available?
The amount of funding available differs slightly each year. However the average amount available is $900,000.00 which is required to be distributed at 30% to Non-Motorized uses, 30% to Motorized uses and 40% to Diversified uses.

What does Non-Motorized mean?
Non-Motorized is classified as those projects that do not allow for any type of motorized use.

What does Motorized mean?
Motorized trails are classified as those trails on which use of motorized vehicles is permitted.

What does Diversified mean?
Diversified trail use projects are considered as those projects which provide for the greatest number of compatible recreational purposes on the same trail corridor and/or those projects which provide for innovative recreational corridor sharing by motorized and non-motorized use.

How much can we ask for?
The minimum trail grant amount is $2,500. The maximum trail grant amount for non-motorized projects is $50,000, for motorized projects it is $150,000.00 and diversified projects is $100,000. This program requires a 20% match to the grant funds. Therefore, applications must have a minimum TOTAL cost of $3,125.

What are eligible projects?
Eligible projects include: trail related environmental or safety education projects; maintenance of existing trails; restoration of areas damaged by trail use; trail-head and trail-side facility development; provision of features which facilitate access by people with disabilities; development of urban trail linkages; development of trail loop opportunities; construction of new trails where a need has been shown; and acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for a trail. Grants may also be used by government and not-for-profit agencies for the purchase and/or lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment.

Can we partner with someone on this project?
Partnerships are allowed and encouraged.

What does "reimbursement based" mean?
This means that the grant recipient must first expend the cost of an item before reimbursement can be considered.

How do I figure out my 20% match?
The 20% match is the amount of the TOTAL project cost that you, as the sponsor, must spend. To figure this out, determine the amount of grant you are requesting, then divide that by 80%. This will be the minimum TOTAL project cost, then subtract your grant request from your TOTAL project cost and you have the minimum 20% match that you must provide.

For example: a grant amount of $75,000 divided by 80% is $93,750 (TOTAL MINIMUM PROJECT COST), then subtract $75,000 from that and you have $18,750 (YOUR MINIMUM 20% MATCH).

What does a 20% local match mean?
This means that your organization, as the one applying for the grant, must provide the 20% match. This match may be either hard cash, in-kind match or a combination of the two. If a local sponsor is unable to provide the 20% match, they may request a PROGRAMMATIC MATCH for their project by submitting written documentation as to why they are unable to obtain the matching funds. Applicants wishing to apply for a Programmatic Match should contact the Trails Office prior to submitting their application.(See the Guidelines for specific deadline dates) If approved, a project could then receive 100% funding.

Can I fax my application.
We DO NOT accept applications via fax.

How do I get an application?
Applications are available on our website.

How long do I have to complete my project?
Grants are awarded for a two-year time frame. We consider this in the application review process. For example, those grants awarded for the 2009 funding cycle will have until spring/summer of 2011 to complete projects. Extensions are also available for unforeseeable circumstances.

How much paperwork is involved?
In addition to a complete application and copies (including all required pictures and other documentation), you will be required to manage project agreements, progress reports, reimbursement requests and in-kind match records. Reimbursement requests must also be accompanied by copies of all invoices and billing records.

What is considered "trail maintenance"?
This work done to maintain and improve existing recreational trails, including the grooming and maintenance of trails across snow.

What is a SCORP?
Trail projects funded by this program must further specific goals related to trails in the Wyoming State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP-2009-2013). The high priority issues identified by both recreation users and providers included “Trails and Greenways” and “Public Land Usage”. To address the issues the SCORP idenfified priority projects for Motorized and Non-Motorized Trails as follows: (1) Maintain access to public lands; and (2) Ensure proper maintenance/development of existing trails and trail facilities. Specific trails related recommendations include (1) Improving and expanding existing outdoor recreation facilities, including open space and trails, to meet user needs; (2) Encouraging communication between users and providers to determine needs and develop cooperative management strategies; (3) Preserving and increasing public access; and (4) Maintaining existing facilities.

What is a "priority multiplier"?
The Priority Multiplier adds a weighted preference for the types of projects the State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) and the Wyoming State Trails Advisory Council feel best serve the intent of the enabling legislation of this federal program, as well as the priority needs for trails in Wyoming .

How long will it take to review and award the funds?
Applications are reviewed and ranked by members of the State Trails Staff and Trails Advisory Council members. Those applications receiving the highest composite rankings will be presented to the full Council for review and approval at their meeting the first part of December. Projects receiving approval will be included in the State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) application to the Federal Highway Administration. Project applicants will be notified of the Council's recommendations in writing within 15 days of the Council's meeting. Initial award letters are generally mailed in late December.

What is the Wyoming State Trails Advisory Council?
The Wyoming State Trails Advisory Council is a ten-member council with representation from both motorized and non-motorized trail users that provide guidance to SPCR Trails Program in distribution of these funds.

Can a non-profit group apply for funds?
Non-Profit groups are eligible to apply for funds. Applicants must be able to provide a 20% match to the requested funds. This match may be either hard-cash, in-kind or a combination.

Do we need specific location points and a map for our application?
YES, we require that applications submit a detailed map showing trail locations as well as detailed description of the work to be done and project budget. We also require pictures of the project area in most cases.

Can I extend my grant time frame?
In some cases, the time period for grant projects to be completed can be extended. Grant projects are given a two-year time frame in order for work to be completed. Extenuating circumstances may cause a project sponsor to request an extension. Extension requests must be received 60 days prior to the original grant period. A letter from the sponsor detailing the circumstances causing the delay as well as a new timeline and budget sheet must be submitted.

How do I get reimbursed for my project?
Project sponsor must first expend the funds for the materials, contracts, etc prior to requesting reimbursement. All appropriate forms are available for download on our website. Sponsors must also submit copies of all bills and invoices with this request.

What does in-kind mean?
Simply put, in-kind is VOLUNTEER. Labor is done by volunteers or materials that are donated with NO cost to the sponsor. If you have a question specifically concerning an in-kind match, please contact Tracy Williams at 307-777-8681 for clarification.

When are progress reports due?
Projects that are awarded funds must fill out quarterly progress reports. Forms for these reports are available on our website and are due March 15, July 15 and November 15 of each year until the grant is closed.

Do I need to fill out the ranking form?
No, the ranking form is simply provided so that you may better understand how projects are evaluated. The ranking form is used by the Ranking Committee during the project application review.

Who do I contact with questions?
You can contact Tracy Williams, Trails Planner, 307-777-8681 or for fiscal questions contact Justine Morris, Fiscal Technician at 307-777-5656.

Will someone help me write the grant?
Tracy Williams, Trails Planner, is available to assist you with questions or clarification but the Project Sponsor is responsible for writing and submitting the grant and all necessary accompanying materials.

Who has received grants in the past?
Our recipient list is long. For a listing of the projects that received funding for the past grant cycles, please reference our website.

Will you tell me why I didn't get funding?
All applicants will receive a letter from our offices stating whether they did or did not receive funding. If there was a specific reason or concern about the denied applications that prevented them from being funded, it will be explained in the letter. If the project was simply not funded due to lack of money, you may contact our offices to see where your project ranked.

What does the question on Page 2 of the General Application require?
This question asks you to categorically break down your project. For example, if you are doing trail maintenance, you would tell us how long that trail is (i.e. 2500 linear feet that will be worked on) and how much that particular maintenance will cost. If your project involves two different items, (i.e. maintenance of existing trail and building 1000 linear feet of new trail), you would break that down for the question.

How detailed should my project description be in my application?
This description should be VERY detailed. Since this is how the ranking committee will be seeing your project, through your description, it should be detailed and comprehensive. Also, include pictures whenever possible to illustrate the need for your project. Like the old adage says - a picture is worth a thousand words.

Why do you need to have detailed budget?
A detailed budget is required both by our office and by the Federal Highway Administration. We use this budget to determine your eligible matching funds, any overmatch and use of in-kind work. This is a very important part of your application, if the budget doesn't correspond to the work being done, your project may receive a lower ranking score.

What is an educational project?
This is a project that involves educating the trail user and surrounding areas concerning trail-related safety or environmental education. On-trail projects could include educational kiosks and signing or safety patrols; off-trail projects could include educational training, brochures or displays.

What if my project is on someone else's land?
If your project is on another entity's property, you must obtain written permission from that entity stating that they support this project and will ensure public access to the finalized product once the project is complete.

What does "Project Agreement and Notice to Proceed" mean?
When a project is approved for funding, the project sponsor will enter into a "Project Agreement" with Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) Trails Program. This agreement will cover the grant amounts, time frame and sponsor requirements for receiving these funds. Project agreements are sent to sponsors after SPCR has received final approval of the projects from the Federal Highway Administration. Once we have a signed agreement in our office from the project sponsor, a "Notice to Proceed" will be issued by our office. This officially allows the project to begin expending funds.

Can I use these funds as a match for another grant?
RTP funds may be used as match for other grant programs according to our guidelines and the other grants specifications for funding. However, the project sponsor is still required to provide a 20% match for the RTP funds.

What are acceptable trail expenses?
Expenses generally fall under three categories: (1) Contract expenses; (2) Labor; and (3) Materials.

Can I use grant money to landscape my trail?
The State Trails Advisory Council does not see landscaping a trail as a priority for these funds. Therefore, items that are found to be in a landscaping role (such as bushes, trees and watering systems along a trail) are not eligible uses for the grant funds. Landscaping is considered to simply enhance the appearance of the trail versus enhancing the trail itself.

What is a trailhead?
A trailhead is considered to be the area at the start of a trail that may contain parking areas, restroom facilities, a water supply or educational material concerning the trail and its use. Use of grant funds for these types of projects would include warming huts, restroom facilities, kiosks and parking areas.

Can I use grant funds for law enforcement on my trails?
Law enforcement funding in not an eligible use of these funds.

Can I use grant funds to pay for the engineer and/or architect?
Planning, engineering or design work is not an eligible use of grant funds as "stand alone" projects. However, this work can be eligible for up to 10% of a project's TOTAL cost (Example: $50,000 trail construction project could include up to $5,000 in planning or engineering costs).

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