Recreation and Visitor Services

Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) provide some of the most diverse outdoor recreation opportunities on Federal lands in the western United States. The BLM's Recreation and Visitor Services Program oversees a broad and comple

The program offers opportunities to: implement the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act; increase and enhance access to public lands and waters; increase and enhance recreational opportunities; enhance public satisfaction at BLM recreation sites and areas; improve inventory, assessment and planning on public lands and waters; improve management, administration and monitoring of public lands and waters; provide enriched visitor services, information, interpretation and education; protect visitor health and safety; improve accessibility for persons with disabilities; improve motorized and non-motorized trails including trail construction and maintenance, comprehensive travel and transportation inventory and assessment, planning management and monitoring; enhance community-supported partnerships in tourism and marketing; strengthen relationships with sovereign Tribal nations by increased cooperation on our public lands through the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act. Underscoring the importance of BLM recreation to the American people, the Recreation Management staff collaborate with various partners, volunteers, and youth programs, and engage with stakeholders to ensure access to public lands and work with local communities and partners to identify opportunities that support local economies.

Projects are used to benefit public lands administered by the BLM. Most of these lands are located in the Western United States and Alaska. Financial assistance can be used for assisting the BLM in the management, protection and/or upgrade recreational resources and related facilities, and in providing related public contact/education opportunities.

No specific restrictions. However, most projects are funded on a year to year basis and no more than five years. Funds are expended during a particular fiscal year. Most awards are anticipated within 90 days or less after the announcement closes.

For more information and local requirements, cooperative project proposals should be coordinated with Bureau of Land Management local State or District/Field Offices.

First Level Screening -Basic Eligibility. Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Must meet the requirements of the Notice of Funding Opportunity posted on www.grants.gov, screening may include, but is not limited to: Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met; Submission is timely; and complete and properly executed SF-424 application package documents. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review. Second Level Evaluation -- Merit Review Evaluation is stated in each Notice of Funding Opportunity noticed post on www.grants.gov Third Level Review Pre-Award Clearance and Approvals. BLM will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations, the Grants Management Officer will evaluate variables such as: Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, financial stability, quality of management systems, past performance meeting prior award terms and conditions, reports and findings of audits performed, and applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements

All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by the proposal evaluation criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the funding announcement. State and District Office level and funding recommendations are made through the State's annual work plan. Final award selection review by BLM Leadership.

Award time varies depending on the type and complexity of the project, but should not be more than five years. Further information will be available for each program at the time the Notice of Funding Opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the point of contact listed in the funding opportunity announcement. Most awards are anticipated within 120 days or less after the announcement closes.

Final award decisions are not subject to appeal; however, the Bureau of Land Management will provide all applicants with information on why their proposal was not selected for award.