National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

The objectives of this program are to assist, advise, and cooperate with States or their political subdivisions, landowners, private organizations, other federal agencies or authorized wild and scenic river management councils or committees to plan,

This program supports locally led efforts to protect and enhance nationally significant river corridors. These rivers possess exceptional natural, cultural, historical, and recreational values, and the program strengthens community-based stewardship that ensures these resources are preserved for current and future generations. Through cooperative agreements, local organizations, community partners, and government agencies work together to carry out the goals identified in river management plans developed with broad public involvement. These plans provide a shared framework for conservation, recreation, science, education, and cultural preservation. Funded projects have helped communities safeguard ecological values by monitoring water quality, restoring habitats, removing debris, improving streambanks, managing invasive species, and conducting scientific studies that support long-term stewardship. Local partners also maintain and enhance public access by improving trails, recreation sites, and river entry points, ensuring visitors can enjoy safe outdoor experiences.

States or their political subdivisions, landowners, private non-profit organizations, or duly authorized by a river's enabling legislation wild and scenic river management councils or committees.

States or their political subdivisions, landowners, private non-profit organizations, other federal agencies or duly authorized by a river's enabling legislation wild and scenic river management councils or committees.

At present, funding provides for the long term protection, preservation, and enhancement of designated Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers and to implement each river's comprehensive river management plan and enabling legislation.

Congress funds a named group of Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers. Each river's authorizing legislation and river management plan (CRMP) define the purpose of agreements as CRMP implementation. Management Councils approve the agreement scope and Financial Assistance partners for each river.

Assistance length and time depends on project complexity. Funding availability and source will be a factor in determining the length of assistance.

Applicant coordinates with their river management council and NPS prior to submittal.

Specific evaluation criteria will be included in the funding announcements posted on www.grants.gov. Criteria may vary somewhat from region to region however all projects for designated rivers must assist directly with implementing comprehensive wild and scenic river management plans.

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.

In accordance with the applicable requirements for extensions and renewal under the appropriate regulations.

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