15.935: national trails system projects SAM.GOV link: click here for the SAM.GOV assistance listing template: the national trails system objectives preserve, protect, and develop the components of the…

The National Park Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $175,727 to the Trail of Tears Association under the National Trails System Projects program (CFDA 15.935) on September 25, 2025. This award supports preservation, protection, and development of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail through enhanced volunteer coordination and public engagement. Key deliverables include increasing public access and recreation opportunities along the multi-state trail, developing and implementing interpretive programming at related historic sites, and conducting preservation and resource protection activities. The project emphasizes volunteer involvement to sustain these efforts across federal and non-federal lands.

Project activities will strengthen the association's capacity to highlight the National Historic Trail to the general public and multi-state trail communities through targeted communication, public events, and outreach initiatives. The award period extends through October 31, 2026, and incorporates special emphasis on USA250th commemoration programming for fiscal year 2026. Beneficiaries encompass the general public, state and local government entities, private landowners, and nonprofit organizations engaged with the trail system. This cooperative agreement represents continued federal investment in the Trail of Tears Association's mission of historical preservation and public education along this significant national resource.

15.935: national trails system projects SAM.GOV link: click here for the SAM.GOV assistance listing template: the national trails system objectives preserve, protect, and develop the components of the national trails system, with a strong emphasis on volunteer involvement through financial assistance agreements to operate, develop, and maintain any portion of such a trail either within or outside a federally administered area. The project focuses on enhancing trail of tears associations volunteer efforts to increase public access, recreation and retracement opportunities along the trail of tears national historic trail and related sites through interpretation, and for preservation and protection of the resources. Project activities will highlight the national historic trail to the public and multi-state trail communities through communication, events, and other outreach opportunities and will include an emphasis on USA250TH in FY26. Beneficiaries include the general public, states and or their political subdivisions, landowners, private organizations, or individuals.