Recreation Trails Program Grant Review Committee Process

On Jan. 6 and 7, 2026, the Nevada Recreation Trails Program Grant Review Committee met to hear project applications for funding. The committee heard different types of project proposals, including trail maintenance, planning, mapping, design, engineering, construction, facility improvements, outdoor education, and more. Applicants each had 10 minutes to present their proposed projects, and committee members had 10 minutes to ask questions. Due to the large number of proposals, only two are highlighted below.

Sierra Nevada Journeys Trail Education Program

Sierra Nevada Journeys presented its trail education program for students in northern Nevada, commonly known as “Trails Unleashed.” According to the presenter, Audrey Bergman, “Our mission is to deliver innovative outdoor science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship.” 

The program is meant to serve approximately 400 students through a two-day education model. The first day is spent in a classroom science lesson, and the second day includes a field trip to a local trailhead. These lessons are mainly targeted for students in second to fifth grades. In these lessons, students receive hands-on science instruction, trail etiquette and safety, and Leave No Trace principles. 

As part of a 2023 case study, Classrooms Unleashed brought a group of 500 students from the Sun Valley area to Sun Valley Regional Park, adjacent to Sun Valley Elementary School. In post-program surveys, 85 percent of students reported never having visited the park, and 69 percent reported never having gone on a hike. 85 percent of students also hoped to return to the park with their families. According to Bergman, “They are not experiencing this sort of outdoor education unless we intentionally push…” This program is designed to address that and prioritizes schools with limited access to outdoor education opportunities. 

The Committee asked questions about transportation reliability and contractor services and discussed measuring academic and behavioral outcomes. They also discussed geographic concentration in the Reno area before moving on.

Centennial Regional Trails Project

The Centennial Regional Trails Project was presented by Greg Bergeron, Trails Coordinator with Carson City Parks and Recreation. This project would be the first phase of a long-term regional trail system intended to improve non-motorized connectivity between Carson City and Washoe Lake State Park. According to Bergeron, “the Eastern Sierra Trails Coalition has been advocating for trail connectivity in our area for probably 10 or 15 years.” The full vision spans 22 miles, with phase one proposing a three-mile trail segment.

The proposed three-mile segment would start near Centennial Park in Carson City and extend toward Washoe Lake State Park. This trail would be designed for non-motorized users, including hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians. It would also be the first step in a coordinated regional trail strategy. Through extensive planning and public input, this project is supported by the Truckee Meadows Trails Plan, Carson City master planning efforts, and the BLM.

The committee asked questions concerning public demand, parking, and access points, particularly for equestrians. They discussed land ownership and management responsibilities, as well as long-term trail protection and maintenance. 

Following the presentations, committee members noted that applications would be reviewed and ranked after the meeting. Applicants can expect to be notified of funding decisions within about four weeks once the review process is complete and final decisions are made.