Mission:
The mission of the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (RTCA) is to assist community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives.  RTCA staff provide guidance to communities so they can conserve waterways, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways.

Who may apply:
The project applicant may be a state or local agency, tribe, non-profit organization, or citizens' group. RTCA does not provide financial assistance to support project implementation.

How to Apply:
Download the 2011 application [.doc | .pdf] or read the application guidelines [.pdf] (if you do not have pdf writer or want to include longer text, we recommend using the .doc version of the application).

Applicants should discuss their project with RTCA staff before applying for assistance. It can be helpful to schedule an advance field visit by our staff to best understand how RTCA can be of assistance.

Due date:
Applications are due by August 1st for assistance beginning the following fiscal year (October 1st through September 30th).

Please send application information and project description to RTCA_Application@nps.gov by August 1 or by US Mail to the appropriate Program Manager postmarked by August 1.

Contact:
A map and contact information for our regional offices is available on this website under Contact Us.

Additional Resources:
View tools and tips for your community-based conservation or outdoor recreation project.

Sign up for our e-newsletter for monthly tips and inspiring successes.

You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about how RTCA works with communities.