The state’s Recreational Trails Program is accepting applications in New Hampshire for grant money to be used to maintain public trails.

New Hampshire is allotted about $1.2 million each year from the federal government to fund the program, and it has benefited motor vehicle, non-motor vehicle and diversified trails across the state, including in the Monadnock region. 

Alexis Rudko, deputy chief of the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails, said in just the last couple years grant money has gone to carving out rock steps in a steep section of the White Dot and White Cross trails on Mount Monadnock that the park manager identified as a dangerous location.

As well as fixing safety issues, the funds can be used for maintenance and restoration projects such as improving trail drainage and repairing erosion damage.

Rudko said as more people started using public trails during the pandemic, “we certainly felt a surge of outdoor enthusiasts,” but “our trails got beat pretty hard.”

Recreational Trail Program funds come from the Federal Highway Trust Fund, which raises money through taxes on non-highway recreational vehicle fuel. 

When deciding which applications to fund with grant money, the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails scores applicants against each other and the top picks get funded. Rudko said they average about 30 applications a year.

Organizations and parks with public trails who would like to apply for funds must attend at least one of three trainings in May: May 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. and May 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Headquarters, 172 Pembroke Road in Concord. Applications are due June 16 by 4 p.m. and applicants need to include a plan and any required permits when they apply.

Information is available at nhstateparks.org/about-us/trails-bureau/grants/recreational-trails-program.

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