Salt Lake City (May 20, 2025) – The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation has awarded a record amount of funding this year to support outdoor recreation projects statewide, with 142 grants approved across all of Utah’s 29 counties. This year marks the most projects funded and the most money awarded in the history of these programs.
“This is a landmark year for outdoor recreation in Utah, as these grants are more than just investments in recreation; they’re investments in building community health, mental health, rural economies and long-term stewardship of Utah’s lands,” said Jason Curry, director of the Division of Outdoor Recreation. “Every county in Utah will benefit from this grant funding, supporting everything from trail development and park improvements to OHV access and safety initiatives. These projects will enhance access to the outdoors for all Utahns and elevate the state’s status as a world-class recreation destination.”
Through the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (UORG), Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation (OHVR) Grant, and Recreational Trails Program (RTP), the division will distribute more than $23.2 million to support recreation infrastructure, access and safety statewide.
- UORG: $17.9 million awarded to 84 projects
- OHVR: $3,316,723.56 awarded to 32 projects
- RTP: $2,046,135 awarded to 26 projects
The UORG program supports a wide range of outdoor recreation projects, including motorized and non-motorized trail construction, recreation amenities, water access and community park development. The OHVR grants focus on improving OHV trails, infrastructure and safety programs. The RTP program, funded through federal transportation dollars, supports motorized and non-motorized trail construction, maintenance and education initiatives.
“In addition to record funding and reach, we saw a significant increase in the overall volume of applications this cycle,” said Curry. “Even more impressive was the quality of proposals we received. It speaks to the dedication, creativity and innovation within Utah’s outdoor recreation community. The bar continues to rise, and we’re proud to help build outdoor recreation in Utah.”
Since its inception in 2015, the UORG program has contributed more than $83 million to outdoor recreation infrastructure. The OHVR Grant, launched in 2020, has now funded over $19 million in OHV-related projects. The RTP program, a key piece of Utah’s trails network, continues to deliver critical federal support for trail systems across the state.
“These grants are more than just investments in recreation—they’re investments in community health, rural economies and long-term stewardship of Utah’s lands,” added Curry.
For a full list of the 2025 grant recipients, visit Recreation.utah.gov/grants. For more information on the Division of Outdoor Recreation and available grants, visit Recreation.utah.gov.
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About the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
In 2022, the Utah State Legislature recognized the growing importance of the outdoors to Utah’s economic prosperity and quality of life and created the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the division combines the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with other state recreation management programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, and recreation law enforcement officers. The division is committed to ensuring every Utahn can live a healthy and active lifestyle through outdoor recreation and access to natural space. The division’s areas of focus include recreational access; safety and education; stewardship and sustainable visitation; and economic growth and opportunity through outdoor recreation.
Media Contact
Austin Isbell, Public Information Officer
Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
[email protected] | 385-268-2624