The news is finally public! Forsyth Forward is excited and grateful to announce that our organization has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Polaris TRAILS Grant Program, receiving $10,000 to support motorized trail safety, navigation, and wayfinding improvements throughout Forsyth Township.
Forsyth Forward submitted the grant application last spring, and we are incredibly excited to have been selected. This $10,000 award is an amazing opportunity for our township to continue investing in its recreational trail network through two important initiatives: the development of Wild Ways, an integrated recreational trail app and navigation system, and the installation of quality, public-facing trail kiosks throughout our local trail system.
Improving ATV, UTV, ORV, and Snowmobile Trail Navigation
Our project focuses on making it easier and safer for residents and visitors to access, navigate, and enjoy the motorized trail system throughout Forsyth Township. Through the development of Wild Ways and the installation of strategically located trail kiosks, we hope to improve access to trail information, navigation resources, and important safety information.
These improvements will help create a more connected and accessible trail network while supporting the continued growth and sustainability of motorized recreation in our community. From ATV and UTV riding in the warmer months to snowmobiling during the winter, maintaining quality trail infrastructure and reliable wayfinding is essential to providing a positive experience for recreational trail users.
Supporting Snowmobiling and Winter Tourism in the Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is well known for its extensive network of snowmobile trails, outdoor recreation opportunities, and winter tourism. Snowmobiling and motorized recreation bring thousands of visitors to communities throughout the region each winter. Supporting local lodging, restaurants, gas stations, and small businesses.
Forsyth Township is fortunate to be surrounded by an extensive network of trails that connect residents and visitors to the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula. Our local motorized trail system is truly a community asset. Particularly during the winter months when snowmobile travel brings visitors to the area throughout the long Upper Peninsula winters.
Maintaining safe, accessible, and well-marked ATV, UTV, ORV, and snowmobile trails is essential to supporting continued recreational travel and tourism. As winter snow brings snowmobilers and visitors to the Upper Peninsula, investments in trail infrastructure, navigation, and wayfinding become increasingly important.
Forsyth Forward hopes to strengthen the local trail experience and improve navigation for both residents and visitors. Supporting the recreational opportunities that make our region a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Investing in North American Trails
Polaris announced nearly $125,000 in fall 2026 grant awards supporting 13 off-road and snowmobile organizations across the United States and Canada. Combined with 14 additional organizations receiving funding during the spring cycle, the program awarded more than $250,000 in its 20th year.
Other funded projects include trail repairs at Stony Lonesome OHV Park in Alabama, erosion improvements along an important OHV access road in Colorado, trail signage and kiosk improvements across a 200-mile trail network in Wisconsin, and trailhead parking improvements in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.
These projects, along with Forsyth Forward’s, demonstrate the importance of investing in the infrastructure that supports safe, sustainable, and accessible motorized recreation. From trail maintenance and parking to navigation and wayfinding, each improvement contributes to a better experience for the people who use and enjoy these trail systems.
Looking Ahead
Forsyth Forward is incredibly thankful for this opportunity and proud to be among the organizations selected for the 2026 Polaris TRAILS Grant Program. We also want to thank Polaris for 20 years of dedication to supporting trail organizations and improving recreational access.
We look forward to working with our partners and community to bring these improvements to life. Together, we are continuing to improve and expand the recreational assets that make Forsyth Township a great place to live, work, and explore!
11/12/2026
