P17AS00322.doc

This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service (NPS), intention to fund the following project activities without competition.

ABSTRACT

OVERVIEW

Cooperative Agreement Number P14AC00913 was entered into by and between the Department of the Interior National Park Service (NPS), and the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS), for the purpose of promoting and protecting the National Trails System. The project engages recipients, partners, communities, and/or visitors in shared environmental stewardship, as well as assisting in the creation, promotion, facilitation of the public’s understanding of natural, cultural, historic, recreation and other aspects of areas such as ecological conservation areas, and state and local parks.

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The project will support the continued coordination and facilitation of the 35 National Scenic and Historic Trail nonprofit associations. Their accomplishments will be leveraged against the federal contribution to trails system. Workshops, webinars, conference calls, and publications will be offered for the management and best practices supporting the National Scenic and Historic Trails. This also includes large landscape conservation, youth engagement, trail development and maintenance, interpretation and more.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

PNTS will:

· Work with federal and state agencies and nonprofit partners to strengthen programs and processes for trail corridor protection and large landscape conservation.

· Develop tools and training opportunities to bring trail administrators and managers and nonprofit partners up to date in the best practices of and variety of options for trail management, visitor use, diversity, and land protection. This includes development of specific workshops and webinars for National Scenic and Historic Trails.

· Create opportunities to engage youth as Trail Apprentices, including, but not limited to, attending workshops, mentorships, internships, participation on boards and/or committees, and in social media networks, blogs and websites.

· Lead a strategic planning effort to bring PNTS and partners in to the next era of national trail management. Identify specific goals and strategies to gain effective attention to and support of national trails by new partners.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part of the National Park Service is anticipated for the successful completion of this award.

NPS will:

· Coordinate with PNTS as appropriate to strengthen programs and processes for trail corridor protection, and large landscape conservation.

· Assist PNTS in the development and presentation of training opportunities to bring trail administrators and managers and nonprofit partners up to date in the best practices of and variety of options for trail management, visitor use, diversity, and land protection.

· Work with PNTS and other federal agencies to increase the effectiveness and benefit of the Trail Apprentice program and identify opportunities for youth engagement within the NPS that align with the mutually chosen direction.

· Participate as appropriate in the PNTS strategic planning process.

PAGE