Polaris Inc., a big name in off-road vehicles and snowmobiles, is pouring over $113,000 into five trail projects across the United States in 2025. Partnering with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the company’s Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants is making sure riders have better trails, safer routes, and clearer navigation for their next adventure. These projects, spread across Arizona, California, New Hampshire, Colorado, and Kentucky, are all about keeping the outdoors open and enjoyable for off-roaders and snowmobilers.
A Long-Term Commitment to the Outdoors
Since 2021, Polaris has been serious about keeping public lands accessible. They pledged $5 million over five years to the NFF to support trail maintenance, conservation, and rider education. This isn’t just a one-off; it’s part of a nearly two-decade-long effort through their TRAILS GRANTS program, which has funneled over $3.5 million into more than 425 organizations since 2006. The 2025 grants are the latest chapter, focusing on practical upgrades that make a real difference for riders.
Pam Kermisch, Polaris’ Chief Customer and Growth Officer, summed it up: “These grants support essential initiatives like trail restoration, conservation, and responsible riding education to help future generations create lasting outdoor memories.” For anyone who loves tearing through the woods or carving up snowy trails, this means more places to ride and better experiences when you get there.
What’s Getting Fixed in 2025?
The $113,000 is spread across five projects, each tackling a specific need for riders. Here’s the breakdown of where the money’s going and what it’s doing:
Arizona: Coconino National Forest – Navigate Responsibly Project
Riding in the backcountry can be a blast, but getting lost or accidentally straying onto protected land is a quick way to ruin a day. The Navigate Responsibly Project in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest is fixing that problem with new signage along highways and busy recreation corridors. These signs will point riders to approved trails, keeping them out of fragile areas where riding could lead to fines or environmental damage. Clearer routes mean less stress and more time enjoying the ride.
California: Lassen National Forest – Snowmobile Park Upgrades
For snowmobile riders in California, Lassen National Forest is about to get a lot better. The grant is funding new trail markers, updated trailhead signs, and freshly printed winter recreation maps. Whether you’re blasting through groomed trails or exploring deep powder, these upgrades make it easier to navigate and stay safe. No more squinting at faded signs or guessing where the trail goes when the snow’s piling up.
New Hampshire: White Mountain National Forest – Snowmobile Bridge Repairs
Crossing a rickety bridge in the middle of a snowmobile run is no one’s idea of fun. In New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, two aging snowmobile bridges are getting a full refresh with new wood decking. This means smoother, safer crossings, especially when the snow’s deep and visibility is low. The upgrades ensure riders can keep moving without worrying about a bridge giving out or taking an unplanned dip in a frozen stream.
Colorado: GMUG National Forest – Trailhead Kiosk Overhaul
In Colorado’s Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests, trailheads are getting a major upgrade. New kiosks with updated information will make it easier for riders to get oriented before hitting the trails. Better visibility and clearer maps mean less time fumbling with directions and more time enjoying the stunning mountain views. Whether you’re on an ATV or a side-by-side, these improvements set the stage for a smoother ride.
Kentucky: Land Between the Lakes NRA – Turkey Bay OHV Area Upgrades
The Turkey Bay OHV Area in Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is getting a serious facelift. The grant is funding a new paved entrance turn lane, resurfaced parking areas, speed bumps, and better safety signage. Plus, there’s expanded space for day-use and camping zones, making it easier to plan a full weekend of riding. These changes cut down on congestion and make the whole experience safer and more enjoyable for off-roaders.
Why This Matters for Riders
For anyone who’s spent a weekend bouncing through trails or slicing through snow, it’s no secret that good trails don’t just happen. They take work—lots of it. From clearing brush to fixing bridges to marking routes, maintaining public lands is a constant battle against weather, wear, and tear. Without efforts like these, trails can erode, bridges can collapse, and access can get shut down. Polaris’ grants are a lifeline for the off-road community, ensuring that the places we love to ride stay open and safe.
The partnership with the NFF is a big deal because it focuses on practical fixes. New signs and maps help riders stay on the right path, reducing the chance of environmental damage or conflicts with landowners. Repaired bridges and better parking mean fewer headaches and more time on the trail. And by supporting responsible riding education, these grants help keep the sport sustainable for the long haul. It’s about making sure your kids or grandkids can enjoy the same trails you do.
A Legacy of Supporting the Outdoors
Polaris isn’t new to this game. Their TRAILS GRANTS program, which started in 2006, has been a game-changer for off-road and snowmobile clubs across the U.S. and Canada. With over $3.5 million donated to more than 425 organizations, they’ve helped rebuild trails, replace culverts, and fund safety programs. The 2025 Polaris Fund grants build on that legacy, targeting national forests where riders need the most support.
For example, past projects have included fixing erosion issues in Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest and supporting rider safety programs in Manitoba, Canada. The 2025 grants continue this focus on real, tangible improvements that riders can see and feel on their next trip.
How Riders Can Get Involved
If you’re part of a riding club or organization, you can apply for a Polaris TRAILS GRANT to support your local trails. Applications for the fall 2025 grants are due by September 1, and you’ll need to submit a trail file (GPX or shapefile format) to show your trail system. Only 501(c)(3), 501(c)(7), government, or nonprofit organizations qualify, and grants are capped at $10,000 per cycle, with two cycles per year. Check out Polaris’ TRAILS GRANTS page for all the details.
For individual riders, there’s still plenty you can do. Volunteer with local clubs to help maintain trails, share responsible riding tips with your buddies, or even just stick to marked routes to keep the trails in good shape. Every little bit helps keep these public lands open for everyone.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants are more than just a cash infusion—they’re a commitment to keeping the outdoors wild and accessible. Whether you’re a weekend warrior on an ATV, a snowmobiler chasing powder, or a side-by-side enthusiast exploring the backcountry, these projects are for you. From Arizona’s deserts to New Hampshire’s snowy forests, Polaris and the NFF are making sure the trails are ready for your next ride.
For more information on the Polaris-NFF partnership and how it’s shaping the future of outdoor recreation, visit Polaris’ website. Get out there, ride safe, and enjoy the trails.
