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Mills administration authorizes $7.5M for Maine's outdoor economy

Three people sit on rocks by a stream. Photo / Courtesy Gabe Perkins, Inland Woods +Trails Inland Woods + Trails was awarded $248,000 to “activate” the new Rumford Community Forest with construction of 9.51 miles of multi-use, single-track mountain biking trails, hiking trails and related infrastructure.
By Laurie Schreiber

Motorized, nonmotorized, accessible and multi-use trails used for a wide range of activities will see enhancements thanks to a $7.5 million investment into outdoor economy. 

State grants were awarded to 44 projects selected from 108 applications representing municipalities and nonprofits from 15 of Maine’s 16 counties.

"Maine’s trail systems are a critical part of Maine’s outdoor economy,” said Gov. Janet Mills. "These investments will upgrade and enhance public trails for all kinds of outdoor recreation and, importantly, allow more people to enjoy all the Maine outdoors has to offer."

People stand over rocks by a trail.
Photo / Courtesy Gabe Perkins, Inland Woods +Trails
Work is underway to build trails in the Rumford Community Forest, created in February 2024 on 446 acres of woodlands and wetlands.

The money comes from the inaugural round of the Maine Trails Program, part of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Projects include trails that support hiking, walking, ATV and snowmobile riding, paddling access, community trail development, downtown connectors, backcountry routes and adaptive-access.

‘Sorely needed’

Trails strengthen local communities, said Bronya Lechtman, Natural Resources Council of Maine’s grassroots outreach manager. 

“This program provides sorely needed funding to maintain and expand access,” Lechtman added.

The state funding is expected to help catalyze local economic development. The program requires at least a 10% match. Grant dollars will circulate in-state as projects get underway in 2026, creating jobs in trail design, construction and maintenance and revenue from materials purchases. 

An aerial view shows fields and woods covered in snow.
Photo / Courtesy Jeff Tucker, City of Waterville
The city of Waterville was awarded $249,046 for phase one of its Quarry Road trails master plan to build singletrack ski trails — a blend of natural and cross-country trails — and to build a multi-use trailhead building and make final improvements to the cross-country skiing system.

The program was created by a $30 million bond created in 2024 through bipartisan legislation and approved by voters on the November 2024 ballot. Administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, the program will award up to $7.5 million annually through 2034, leveraging at least $3 million per year in matching public and private contributions.

The bureau worked rapidly to launch the new program and make the first awards within 12 months. Organizations from across trail sectors engaged in planning and support. 

"It's been inspiring to see such diverse trail groups collaborating to make this program a reality," said Leigh Hallett, director of the Maine Trails Coalition. "The combined power of this statewide commitment and MTP’s strategic investment will protect and enhance our state's vital recreational infrastructure, making it more resilient and cost-effective for years to come." 

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