Support the acquisition, development, operation, maintenance, and protection of the ICE age national scenic trail (iatr) through a collaborative effort between the national park service and the ICE…

The National Park Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $185,261.24 to the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Inc. under the National Trails System Projects program (CFDA 15.935) on September 16, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026. This award supports the acquisition, development, operation, maintenance, and protection of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IATR) in Wisconsin through collaborative efforts between the federal government and the private sector. The funding enables the Ice Age Trail Alliance to strengthen staff capabilities, expand volunteer coordination and training, and accelerate trail acquisition and development efforts while enhancing public awareness and support for the trail's completion.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance delivers a comprehensive suite of services including trail maintenance and rehabilitation, volunteer program management, land conservation planning, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and public education and outreach related to the trail corridor. As a Wisconsin-based non-profit organization with demonstrated capacity in federal grant administration, the organization leverages this funding to encourage private sector participation in trail development activities and to support ecosystem restoration initiatives along the trail. The award reflects the National Park Service's continued investment in cooperative trail management partnerships that integrate volunteer engagement with professional stewardship capabilities to advance preservation and public access objectives within the National Trails System.

Support the acquisition, development, operation, maintenance, and protection of the ICE age national scenic trail (iatr) through a collaborative effort between the national park service and the ICE age trail alliance. The specific objectives of this agreement are to: (1) encourage private sector participation in the acquisition, planning, development, protection, operation, and maintenance of iatr (2)accelerate the effort to acquire and develop the trail by securing and supporting private sector involvement (3)increase public awareness and use of the trail and public support for its complete development (4)support and strengthen the staff capabilities and volunteer efforts of the recipient in taking a leading role within the private sector in developing, maintaining, protecting and encouraging use of the trail.