The Foundation for America's Public Lands and Polaris announced on October 22, 2026, that they are awarding 10 grants to support off-highway vehicle recreation and safety on Bureau of Land Management lands in six states. The partnership is investing more than $500,000 to fund projects ranging from new signage and improved trail access to environmental restoration and safety training.
Targeted Recreation Improvements
The new round of grants focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and promoting responsible riding in high-use recreation areas. According to the organizations, the funding will support safety improvements, modernization, wayfinding, and the protection of natural environments.
Specifically, the grants target projects such as replacing outdated gateway signage, constructing new trails, and building infrastructure like restrooms and parking lots. The initiative aims to support local communities and non-profits working alongside the Bureau of Land Management to manage iconic motorized recreation destinations.
Regional Project Details
In Utah, the BLM Moab Field Office will use the funding to improve access at popular off-highway vehicle routes. This project, conducted in partnership with the State of Utah's OHV Recreation grant, will focus on updating trailhead kiosks and signage.
Other projects across the six states include:
In Arizona, the partnership with Tread Lightly! will replace outdated gateway signage along a 776-mile stretch across four OHV areas and BLM Back Country Byways.
In California, several projects were announced, including work at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area to support community safety training and a clean-up event. At the Fort Sage OHV Area, the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office will improve access and safety through new kiosks, interpretive panels, and overflow parking. At the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, Friends of Dunes will expand restoration work to protect snowy plover nesting sites. Additionally, Friends of Jawbone will replace the main entrance kiosk and update signage at the Dove Springs OHV area.
Expansion of Access
In Montana, the BLM Billings Field Office and the Roundup Riding Club will work to increase access by adding a new connector route and developing up to 10 miles of purpose-built motorized routes. This includes the creation of an OHV training and obstacle area, a new parking lot, kiosks, and a picnic area.
In Nevada, the Nevada Offroad Association will use a grant to construct a one-mile designated trail linking Shoshone to the Mill Creek Campground.
In Wyoming, the BLM Rock Springs Field Office will partner with Wyoming's Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund to begin revitalizing the Killpecker Sand Dunes Campground. In the town of Lovell, the BLM Cody Field Office and local officials will work to enhance the Darnell Hill Open OHV area with a new double-vault restroom, an accessible walkway, and a children's OHV learner course.
Management of Public Lands
The Bureau of Land Management oversees nearly 450,000 miles of routes and trails on public lands, many of which require further inventory. The agency also manages more than 200 designated off-highway vehicle recreation sites and 54 National Back Country Byways spanning over 3,000 miles across 11 western states.
I Ling Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for America's Public Lands, noted that public-private partnerships are essential for providing stewardship and safe experiences for the 84 million visitors who use BLM-managed lands each year. Reid Wilson, President of Off-Road Vehicles at Polaris, stated the grants allow the companies to partner with community groups and BLM offices to strengthen stewardship and promote responsible riding.
Ongoing Partnership
This latest round of grants follows previous investments by Polaris and the Foundation for America's Public Lands, which have already supported 17 OHV projects on Bureau of Land Management lands.
The funding aims to support the local economies fueled by outdoor recreation and ensure that high-use areas remain accessible for future generations.
