This project aims to deliver cost-effective, leveraged support for identifying safety needs and economic impacts while enhancing the capacity of volunteer and nonfederal national trail organization…

Grant Award Summary

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $245,742 to Partnership For The National Trails System Inc. on September 11, 2025, under the National Trails System Projects program (CFDA 15.935). The award, with a completion date of September 30, 2027, funds cost-effective, leveraged support to strengthen the capacity of volunteer and nonfederal trail organizations in national trail maintenance and stewardship activities. The primary deliverables include conducting a comprehensive economic benefit analysis for the National Trails System, performing a safety analysis of the National Trails System in collaboration with Federal Highways personnel, and managing the Trail Apprentice Program to develop leadership competencies within the trail stewardship community.

As an intermediary organization, Partnership For The National Trails System Inc. will identify safety needs and economic impacts across the national trail network while enhancing organizational capabilities for trail maintenance and conservation. These outputs directly support the National Trails System Projects program's mandate to preserve, protect, and develop national trail components through volunteer involvement and collaborative partnerships with nonfederal stakeholders.

This project aims to deliver cost-effective, leveraged support for identifying safety needs and economic impacts while enhancing the capacity of volunteer and nonfederal national trail organization leadership in national trail maintenance and stewardship for the NPS. Specific tasks include: conducting an economic benefit analysis for the national trails system conducting a safety analysis of the national trails system together with federal highways personnel and management of the trail apprentice program.