Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Non-Motorized
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds annually to develop non-motorized recreational trails and trails-related facilities.
Next Anticipated Application Due Date: July 2025
- The Recreational Trails Program Application Guide is currently being revised. If you are interested in participating in a focus group on the draft guidelines, please email Juliann.Rylee@parks.ca.gov
- A public comment period will be open for the revised application guide in Spring 2025. If you would like to receive information on the revised application guide public comment period, and other news such as a call for 2025 applications and workshops, sign up for updates from OGALS.
Amount Available: TBD
Maximum Grant Request: No minimum or maximum
Match Requirement: 12% of the total project cost
Eligible Match Sources
- State funds including state grant funds.
- Local funds including general funds and bond funds.
- Private funds.
- Donated materials and services.
- Value of donated land - for Acquisition projects only.
- Other federal funds up to 95% of the Total Project Cost.
RTP Program Technical Assistance Application Workshop Video 2/23
RTP Program Technical Assistance Application Workshop Video 3/23
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Fillable RTP Application Forms
- Authorizing Resolution template
- Application Form
- Cost Estimate Form
- Acquisition Schedule Form
- Land Tenure Checklist
Post Selection Federal Requirements
All RTP applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these steps to better understand the full RTP grant process. Applicants recommended for funding, must complete these requirements prior to approval by the Federal Highway Administration.
Recreational Trails Program Procedural Guide Grant Administration section can be found on pgs 51–82
Project Payments
Payment Requests are required every six months - Click to learn why
All Payment Forms Combined , (Use DPR212F) includes these individual forms:
- Federal Payment Request Form (DPR212F) LWCF/RTP
- Grant Expenditure Form (Provide a sample timesheet if seeking reimbursement for in house employee services.)
- Provide a sample timesheet if seeking reimbursement for in-house employee services.
Project Completion Package
- All Payment Forms Combined , includes these individual forms
- Public Contract Award Certification Form
- Project Completion Certification Form (Final payment only)
- Audit Checklist
Recreational Trails Program Advisory Board Meeting was held on July 8, 2024.
- Recreational Trails Program Advisory Board Meeting
- Recreational Trails Program 2024 Advisory Board Meeting Recording
Program Overview:
The RTP is administered at the federal level by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and at the state level by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Active Transportation Program (ATP).
Non-motorized DPR projects are administered by OGALS and motorized projects are administered by DPR's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMV).
Partnership Opportunities:
The Recreational Trails Program encourages applicants to develop cooperative agreements with qualified youth conservation or service corps to perform trail construction and maintenance. The California Conservation Corps (CCC) is one of the many organizations that can assist with trail construction, maintenance, repair and restoration. To learn more about how the CCC might be able to assist you, please call (916) 341-3100 or visit the CCC’s website.
Additional Resources:
California State Parks Roads and Trails Program provides education and technical assistance to trail and open space managers and advocates regarding non-motorized trail planning, design, construction, funding and management throughout California. To learn more, call (916) 324-0370 or visit the Roads and Trails Program website.
The California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Active Transportation Program (ATP) consolidates existing federal and state transportation programs, including the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA), and State Safe Routes to School (SRTS), into a single program with a focus to make California a national leader in active transportation. The ATP is administered by the Division of Local Assistance, Office of State Programs. Visit the Active Transportation Program website.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 (BIL) reauthorized the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) through from Federal Fiscal Years (FFY) 2022 through FFY 2026 as a set-aside from the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside under the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG).
The CDPR has approved regulations for RTP - Title 14, California Code of Regulations Chapter 11.7, Section 4860. The regulations incorporate the current RTP Procedural Guide dated "FINAL, June 4, 2007" that became effective on August 14, 2008.