National Trails System Projects

To preserve, protect, and develop the components of the National Trails System, with a strong emphasis on volunteer involvement, the Secretary of the Interior may enter into written cooperative agreements to operate, develop, and maintain any portion

Program supports preservation, protection, and development of the National Trails System. It provides financial assistance for projects that help operate, maintain, and enhance National Scenic, National Historic, and National Recreation Trails. Funding supports activities that keep these nationally significant trail corridors safe, accessible, and culturally and environmentally respectful. The program helps partners carry out work such as trail operation and maintenance, resource protection, planning and trail development, interpretation and educational activities, and efforts that improve public understanding and enjoyment of the trails. Trail‑related digital platforms, data collection systems, and public outreach tools may also be supported to improve trail information, stewardship outcomes, and long‑term sustainability. Beneficiaries include the general public, nonprofit organizations, Tribal and community partners, landowners, and state and local governments. The program emphasizes volunteer engagement and supports partners working both inside and outside federally administered areas

States or their political subdivisions, landowners, private organizations, or individuals.

General public, and States or their political subdivisions, landowners, private organizations, or individuals.

Funding is to be used by States or their political subdivisions, landowners, private organizations, or individual to operate, develop, and maintain any portion of such a trail either within or outside a federally administered area. Such agreements may include provisions for limited financial assistance to encourage participation in the acquisition, protection, operation, development or maintenance of such trails. After consulting with States and their political subdivisions, the Secretary may provide assistance to such entities under appropriate cooperative agreements. The availability of discretionary funding is determined by individual national trail offices each fiscal year.

Length and time of assistance depends on the complexity of the project.

Preapplication coordination is strongly encouraged. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Specific evaluation criteria will be included in the funding announcements posted on www.grants.gov.

Proposals received in response announcements on grants.gov are reviewed on the basis of a competitive, merit-based review process, and are rated in accordance with the evaluation criteria stated in the announcement. Awards may be made to the highest rated proposals based on the amount of funding available each year.

Varies depending on the type and complexity of the project. Further information will be available for each specific project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the Program Manager listed as the point of contact. Generally 30 - 120 days.

Projects may generally be renewed on an annual basis, not to exceed a total of 5 years. If renewals or extensions are applicable to the project, this information will be included in the funding opportunity announcement. When renewals or extensions are applicable, continuation of funding for these activities is at the discretion of Congress and will be subject to availability of appropriated funds.

None. Final award decisions are not subject to appeal; however, the National Park Service will provide applicants with information on why their proposals were not selected for award, upon request.