Snowmobile Trail Aids
Snowmobile Trail Aids supports Wisconsin snowmobile clubs’ maintenance, rehabilitation and development of public trails and facilities to sustain a safe, well-maintained, interconnected trail system.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: April 15, 2027 (Maintenance and Development) | August 1, 2027 (Supplemental Maintenance)
Funding Amounts: Up to 100% of eligible costs; maintenance up to $300/mile/year; general development up to $500/mile, with approved exceptions
Summary: Supports maintenance, rehabilitation, acquisition and development of Wisconsin’s public snowmobile trails and related facilities.
Key Information: Only county and tribal governments may apply for trail grants; wait for a signed agreement before incurring costs.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administers Snowmobile Trail Aids to sustain a safe, well-maintained public snowmobile trail system. Snowmobile registrations, annual trail passes and a share of gasoline taxes fund grants that reimburse some of the expenses incurred by Wisconsin’s more than 600 snowmobile clubs. Club volunteers provide labor and equipment, obtain landowner permission, clear and sign trails, and groom nearly 25,000 miles of interconnected routes, working with county trail coordinators who administer the grants.
The program supports existing-trail maintenance, major bridge reconstruction, trail rehabilitation and new development, including land interests and support facilities. Maintenance receives first priority. Rehabilitation can restore storm-damaged corridors, repair erosion, improve visibility and return bridges to safe service. The Governor’s Snowmobile Recreation Council recommends funding to DNR.
