Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department Recreational Trails Program (RTP) received 20 applications totaling $3.9 million in project fund grant requests. This is the largest amount ever requested in the program’s history.
The RTP has allocated approximately $1 million to award through the Federal Highway Administration. The RTP Advisory Committee ranked and selected five of the 20 projects to receive funding this year.
1. City of Flasher – Flasher Historical and Recreational Trails Project
Requested $219,070
This project will create a 4,045-foot, gravel multi-use trail following an old railroad elevated grade on city-owned property. It will connect the Flasher Centennial Campground, Louse Creek Golf Course, and city ballfields, while offering interpretive signage highlighting the community’s Russian German heritage and historical landmarks like the Bismarck- Deadwood Stage Trail.
2. Watford City Park District – Multi-Use Trail
Requested $235,008
The Watford City Park District Multi-Use Trail will be an adaptive single-track trail next to the McKenzie County Athletic Park. Designed for year-round use by hikers, bikers, runners, and cross-country skiers, the compacted natural surface trail will wind through 71 acres of park district property with gentle grades and switchbacks, making it accessible for all abilities while blending seamlessly into the landscape. With optional skill-building elements such as berms and bridges, the trail will allow beginners to develop confidence and outdoor skills before moving on to the nearby Maah Daah Hey Trail. This project seeks to foster a love for outdoor recreation, skill development, and physical wellness.
3. Lincoln Park District – Pathway – 66th Street South
Requested $103,845.60
This project aims to build a 10-foot-wide gravel pathway to improve pedestrian and bicycle access along 66th Street SE. It will feature ADA-compliant crossings and create safe, off-road routes for residents, encouraging active transportation within the community.
4. Snowmobile North Dakota – Statewide Trail Grooming Equipment
Requested $250,000
* This project is a required motorized selection to meet RTP’s 30% motorized allocation threshold.
To maintain North Dakota’s 2,700-mile snowmobile trail system, this project requests essential grooming equipment and operations to ensure smooth, safe, and rideable conditions for thousands of winter recreationists. The trail system boosts tourism and supports rural economies. Continued investment in grooming enhances club membership and strengthens the volunteer base essential for long-term trail sustainability.
5. North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department – Little Missouri State Park Trails Reimagined
Requested $249,072
This project, focused on restoring severely eroded and neglected trail segments, includes critical surface stabilization, erosion control, and drainage repairs. The work will secure long-term access to this scenic trail network and enhance user safety and enjoyment.
“We’ve seen a remarkable shift in how communities understand and embrace the Recreational Trails Program,” said Char Langehaug, Grants Coordinator. “This year brought the largest funding requests in the program’s history—a clear sign that more people recognize how these grants can breathe new life into communities and transform outdoor spaces. We’re deeply grateful to the RTP advisory committee for their thoughtful evaluation of so many impactful projects.”
While NDPRD expects each project to receive full funding as requested, final award amounts cannot be confirmed until the full appropriation is received in March 2026.
The next round of applications is tentatively scheduled to open in April 2026. The applications will be administered through the online platform, Web Grants. For further information, please visit our website at https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/business/grants/recreational-trails-program or contact Char Langehaug, Grants Coordinator at 701-328-5357.
The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places.
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is an 80/20 matching grant program that provides funding for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. Examples of eligible projects include construction of new recreation trails, restoration of existing trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment, land acquisition/easements, trail accessibility assessment.
The RTP is administered at the state level through the NDPRD, and federally through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Projects are evaluated and ranked by the Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee (RTPAC) which is a committee whose purpose is to assist in ranking projects seeking federal trail funds administered by the NDPRD and to provide additional program guidance.