The National Park Service's Rivers, Trails & Conservation (RTCA) staff assistance includes help in building partnerships to achieve community-set goals, assessing resources, developing concept plans, engaging public participation, furthering local conservation initiatives, and identifying potential sources of funding. From urban promenades to trails along abandoned railroad rights–of-way to wildlife corridors, our assistance in greenway efforts is wide ranging. Similarly, our assistance in river conservation spans downtown riverfronts to regional water trails to stream restoration. Although RTCA does not provide financial assistance, we do offer technical assistance based on expertise and experience to community partners to help them achieve their goals. Project partners may be non-profit organizations, community groups, tribes or tribal governments, and local or state government agencies. Assistance is for one year and may be renewed for a second year if warranted.

Application Guidelines

We recommend that you contact Michael Linde, Program Leader, at 206-220-4113 or michael_linde@nps.gov, to discuss your interest and seek guidance before applying.

Applications for RTCA assistance are competitively evaluated based on how well the applications meet the following criteria:

1. A clear anticipated outcome leading to on-the-ground success.
2. Commitment, cooperation, and cost-sharing by interested public agencies and nonprofit organizations.
3. Opportunities for significant public involvement.
4. Protection of significant natural and/or cultural resources and enhancement of outdoor recreational opportunities.
5. Consistency with the National Park Service mission and RTCA goals (see our websites, www.nps.gov and www.nps.gov/rtca/).

The deadline for project applications is August 1st, two months before the start of each fiscal year (October 1 to September 30).

Final project selection is generally completed in early November after passage of the federal budget. In the interim our staff will acknowledge receipt of your application. Based on the availability of staff and funding resources, we meet as many requests as possible.

National Park Service Rivers & Trails Application Letter

Application letters must be received by August 1st. They should be one to three pages in length and should include the following information:

1. Project Title and Description
   • Provide the name of the project and project location.
   • Note who is taking responsibility for the implementation of theproject.
   • Describe briefly what will be done, why the project is important, the proposed schedule, and who will be involved.
   • Identify what populations in your community will be served by the project.
   • Outline the background or prior activity on the project (if any), and the current status.
2. Resource Importance
   • Describe the most important natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources within the project area.
3. Anticipated Results
   • On-the-ground results: What specific resource will be created, conserved, enhanced, or made available to the public? For instance: How many river miles will be improved by restoration projects? How many river miles will be conserved with enhanced protection status? How many miles of multi-use trail will be created? How many acres of parkland will be created and where? How many acres of wildlife habitat will be restored?
   • Other accomplishments: For example, an increased community commitment to stewardship, a new conservation organization, or the development of a concept plan for a trail.
4. Support for the Project
   • Describe the support you anticipate from interested stakeholders, such as public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and landowners.
   • List the project partners and describe their role(s) and contributions.
5. Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program Role
   • Describe what kind of technical assistance or role you are seeking from the RTCA program.
6. Contact Information
   • Please provide information about the key project supporter(s), including name of leader, organization, address, phone, fax, and e-mail.

Support letters from elected officials, community leaders, and cooperating organizations are strongly recommended.

Please return your completed application letter to:

Michael Linde, Leader, Partnership Programs
National Park Service
909 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
Telephone: (206) 220-4113
Fax: (206) 220-4161
E-mail: michael_linde@nps.gov