Hiker sought to volunteer for OPRD trails grant committee

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a representative of the hiking community for a vacant volunteer position on the Recreation Trails Program Advisory Committee that evaluates grants for statewide trails projects.

The competitive grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and administered by OPRD. Grants are awarded to non-profits and governments for trail projects, including building new trails, improving existing trails and installing trail signs.

“Reviewing these grant applications is an important step in the process of improving and expanding Oregon’s trail system,” said OPRD grant coordinator Jodi Bellefeuille. “Grant committee members get to have a direct say in what trail projects are funded and provide feedback to land managers about their proposals.”

The ten member committee evaluates and ranks requests for grant funding. Ideal candidates can live anywhere in Oregon and will be avid hikers with experience in one or more of the following areas: recreation planning, trail design, project management, grant management and budget review.

The committee meets once or twice a year at locations throughout the state. In 2017, meetings were held in Salem in May and September. Dates for 2018 have not been finalized. Time commitment varies and includes reviewing and evaluating 40-80 grant applications each annual funding cycle.

Those interested in serving must submit an OPRD Grant Advisory Committee Appointment Interest Form by Friday, Nov. 17. For more information or to obtain an interest form, visit http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRANTS/Pages/RTP-Committee.aspx, or contact Jodi Bellefeuille at jodi.bellefeuille@oregon.gov or 503-986-0716.