Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (15.921)
Program
15.921 Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance
Federal Agency
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Authorization
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, 16 U.S.C. 1271-1287 as amended, Public Law 90-542; National Trails System Act, 16 U.S.C. 1241 as amended, Public Law 90-543; Outdoor Recreation Act of 1963, 16 U.S.C. 4601-3, Public Law 88-29; Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 797-828c.
Program Number
15.921
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
Work with community groups and local and State governments to conserve rivers, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways.
Types of Assistance
Advisory Services and Counseling.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Not applicable.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Private nonprofit organizations and Federal, State and local government agencies.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Private nonprofit organizations and Federal, State and local government agencies.
Credentials/Documentation
None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Program advice and information is available from the appropriate NPS Regional Office. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Information is available electronically at http://www.nps.gov/rtca or may contact the program leader for Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance in the appropriate NPS Regional Office. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular Nos. A-102 and A-110.
Award Procedure
Decisions are based upon adherence to program criteria and the level of available staff time.
Deadlines
Proposals should be submitted by July 1 for the following fiscal year.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Projects are sometimes renewed for 1 or 2 years.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
No fixed amount. Cooperators must demonstrate commitment of cost-sharing which may include donations of time, cash and services.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Generally 1 to 2 years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
None.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Program Accomplishments
NPS Rivers & Trails has played a major role in community conservation and recreation through citizen-led, partnership approaches to river protection, trail development and land conservation.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1042-0-1-303.
Obligations
(Salaries and expenses) FY 02 $8,184,000; FY 03 est $8,174,000; and FY 04 est $9,779,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable. Staff assistance only.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Project reports are available from NPS offices and the Web.
Related Programs
15.916, Outdoor Recreation_Acquisition, Development and Planning; 15.918, Disposal of Federal Surplus Real Property for Parks, Recreation, and Historic Monuments; 15.919, Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Applicants are requested to communicate with National Park Service Regional Offices. Refer to Catalog Appendix IV or the web site for addresses.
Headquarters Office
Chief, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW. (MS-3622-MIS), Washington, DC 20240. Telephone: (202) 565-1200.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Develop new trails and greenways; protect and restore river resources, access and views; convert abandoned railways to multi-purpose trails; promote and develop systems of trails and greenways; conserve open space; establish new conservation organizations and alliances. Examples of Rivers & Trails projects include: (1) The Lakes-To-Locks Water Trail in Puget Sound includes over 100 miles of shoreline and 100 launch and landing sites. The Rivers & Trails Program worked with the Washington Water Trails Association to build a broad-based constituency, to provide assistance in trail development, marketing, and map publication, and to help empower our partners to see their project goals come to life. (2) In New York, a 15-mile multi-use trail is being planned to connect four state parks and the communities of Ithaca and Trumansburg. Rivers & Trails facilitates community involvement in the planning for the Black Diamond Trail, one success of which was to organize a Community Volunteer Work Day bringing together a local hospital, college students, youth groups and neighbors. (3) Along the Los Angeles River, Rivers & Trails worked with Los Angeles County to complete a master plan which has spun off multiple open space projects. Recently, the opening of the one-mile Los Feliz section was celebrated by volunteers, neighborhood residents, and representatives of government associated with the project. The Los Angeles River offers an example of an effort enjoying lasting success. (4) Rivers & Trails Philadelphia based staff are developing one of our first partnerships with the health care community in a project known as Wyoming Valley Wellness Trails in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. The project goal is the development of a sustainable partnership that will implement a trail system in a region with a strong community health initiative while providing opportunities for public participation through workshops and information meetings.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Project should have clear, measurable objectives and must be designed to have a significant, cost- effective impact on an issue and lead to tangible conservation of significant resources. Each project must demonstrate cooperation and commitment among affected public agencies and private interests and have significant public involvement. Further details regarding project requirements are available from NPS offices.
