Outdoor Recreation trust funds 21 projects, board highlights two large awards and flag funding gaps

Jeremiah Reaman, chair of the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust, told the committee the trust received 80 applications from 22 counties and conducted 35 site visits. The board funded or partially funded 21 projects across 15 counties for just over $1.9 million this fiscal year; only four projects were fully funded, and two were categorized as large projects. “We were able to fund or partially fund 21 projects in 15 different counties, for a total of just over $1,900,000 for this current fiscal year,” Reaman said.

Reaman highlighted two large grants the board approved: $215,000 to Cody for Belfry Bridge boat‑ramp and related infrastructure (dollar‑for‑dollar match confirmed by the city) and a $300,000 investment toward the Cottonwood Canyon Trail System in Bighorn County, with encouragement to pursue additional non‑motorized trail funding. Board members said the fund is overprescribed relative to need and will use fall meetings to refine guidelines, particularly around projects on private property and equipment eligibility.