NRCS provides financial assistance for Trails and Walkways through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP participants must meet eligibility for the following three tiers:

1. Producer/participant eligibility;
2. Land eligibility, and; 
3. Resource concern eligibility. 

The best way to determine your eligibility is to speak with an NRCS Conservation Planner about your specific situation, though below are some general eligibility guidelines:

Producer Eligibility:

• Must have a social security number or employer identification number issued by the IRS (entities require a Taxpayer Identification Number).
• Must show control of the land (lease, deed or other agreement) for the length of the NRCS contract
• Must have an adjusted gross income of less than $900,000; however this requirement does not apply to Federally-recognized Tribes and Alaska Native regional or village corporations.
• If the producer is an entity, must have signature authority to make management decisions on the land.
   

Land Eligibility:

• Land must have an agricultural production use such as cropland, rangeland, grassland, pasture or non-industrial private forest land. Lands used for subsistence are also considered agricultural.
• Land must be in compliance with Highly Erodible Land and wetland conservation provisions. Ask your local field office about compliance. 

Resource Concern Eligibility:

There must be a valid natural resource problem on the land to receive NRCS financial assistance for the project. An NRCS conservation planner will help you determine specific natural resource concerns on your property.

The amount NRCS will pay is based on a state-specific payment schedule which is updated annually. View payment schedules online: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/payment-schedules 

Trails and Walkways payments are calculated per square foot of trail. The applicant must pay up-front to construct the trail. NRCS will reimburse the applicant after the project has been completed and NRCS verifies that the project meets the design criteria. Advance payments of 50 percent may be available for qualifying applicants.

NRCS offers in-house engineering assistance and technical support to design trail projects; however participants may also wish to acquire their own designs. Designs must be approved by NRCS and meet NRCS conservation practice standards to receive financial assistance.

NRCS does not provide construction services to build the trail. The applicant is responsible for constructing the trail to meet NRCS design criteria. The applicant may use their own equipment and labor to construct the trail or they may hire a third party contractor to build the trail. NRCS can provide technical advisory services to the cooperator such as construction inspection and construction layout surveys.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring the trail remains operational for the lifespan of the project (10 years) and must perform necessary maintenance as needed.