Maine’s new trails program has sparked significant interest, far exceeding available funding. Voters approved a $30 million bond in 2024 to support trail development, but the first round of grant applications has revealed a staggering demand for resources. With 105 applications submitted, the requests total over $16.7 million, while only $7.5 million is available for distribution this year.
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Recreational Trail Program director, Doug Beck, confirmed that this funding gap reflects a strong need for enhancements to the state’s trail network. “We are not surprised by the demonstrated need,” Beck stated, highlighting that applications have come from all 16 counties in Maine. The first grants are expected to be awarded in November, with projects slated to commence on March 1, 2025.
High Demand for Trail Projects Across Maine
The overwhelming number of applications indicates a robust interest in improving Maine’s trails. Of the 105 proposals, 46 focus on multi-use trails, 28 involve motorized trail projects, and 31 pertain to non-motorized activities. The majority of applications are for new trail construction, restoration, and the enhancement of trailside facilities.
Counties such as Kennebec, Cumberland, and Penobscot lead the way in applications, with 13, 11, and 11 submissions respectively. The reimbursement-based funding structure requires grantees to incur costs and provide matching funds before receiving financial support, further emphasizing the need for a sustainable funding model.
According to Bronya Lechtman, grassroots outreach manager for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, the response demonstrates an urgent need for a long-term investment in the state’s trails. “There were also many organizations interested in applying who lacked the capacity to do so,” Lechtman noted, suggesting that the demand could be even greater than reflected in the current applications.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The Maine Trails Program is poised to enhance community well-being by improving safety, accessibility, and connectivity for both residents and visitors. Angela Twitchell, senior director of partnerships and public policy for the Maine Land Trust Network, emphasized the importance of these funds for land trusts, which play a crucial role in maintaining and expanding trail access.
Twitchell remarked, “Trails require a lot of money to build and maintain, and there hadn’t been a significant funding source for that work for a while.” The program aims to address this gap, providing much-needed resources for trail maintenance and construction.
The Androscoggin Land Trust has submitted a proposal to enhance a pedestrian connection corridor between Livermore Falls and Jay. Amy Soper, stewardship director, explained that the project involves upgrading existing trails that connect schools, recreational facilities, and neighborhoods. “This project is not just about trail repair; it’s also an investment opportunity in community well-being,” Soper stated.
For motorized trail users, the funding represents an essential opportunity to address long-standing maintenance issues. Al Swett, president of the Maine Snowmobile Association, highlighted the need for improvements along the state’s extensive network of 14,000 miles of snowmobiling trails, many of which are located on private land.
While the Maine Trails Program is limited to $7.5 million annually, Beck noted that federal programs could provide additional support. Trail advocates are hopeful that the state will find ways to sustain funding beyond the four-year bond period, ensuring continued investment in Maine’s trail infrastructure.
Lechtman concluded by expressing the coalition’s desire for equitable access to funding across all communities, particularly lower-income areas. “We want this funding to benefit communities from all 16 counties,” she said, reinforcing the program’s potential to enhance outdoor access and promote healthy lifestyles throughout Maine.
