On-line Resources
National Web Site of RTCA Program

Applications may be submitted by a state or local agency, tribe, non-profit organization, or citizens’ group. Federal agencies, including the National Park Service, may apply only in collaboration with a non-federal partner. RTCA does not provide financial assistance to support project implementation. Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project with RTCA staff before sending in an application. It can be helpful to schedule an advance field visit by our staff to best understand how RTCA can be of assistance. Please return your completed application to the program leader for the state in which your project is located.

Project Review Criteria

Please make applications brief (a business letter generally no more than 3 pages). Applications are evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. The project has specific, partner-defined goals and tangible conservation or outdoor recreation results expected in the near future.

2. The project protects or improves important natural resources or enhances outdoor recreation opportunities.

3. Roles and contributions of project partners are substantive and well-defined.

4. There is evidence of broad community support for the project.

5. The anticipated role for RTCA is clearly stated and is appropriate. In evaluating applications, preference will be given to projects that:

• provide physical connections among resources;
• include both natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation;
• partner with an NPS area;
• partner with a health organization;
• connect communities to NPS areas;
• engage youth

Projects should include significant community involvement and outreach, and should also include the commitment, cooperation, and cost-sharing of all partners. Because partnerships are key to the success of community-based projects, support letters are strongly encouraged. Applications are due by August 1st for assistance beginning the following fiscal year (October 1st through September 30th). Assistance is limited to one year, but renewed for a second year upon request subject to review and approval by the program leader. RTCA project participation is announced in early November, after passage of the federal budget.

Please include:

Applicant Information

• Project name and location
• City, county, state, and congressional district(s)
• Applicant name
• Primary contact, title, address, email, daytime phone, and fax

Project Description

1. Describe the project goals, including any tangible conservation or outdoor recreation results expected (e.g.: miles of river protected, restored or enhanced; miles of publicly accessible trail created or enhanced; acres of parkland created.)

2. Identify the important natural resources to be improved or protected, and/or the outdoor recreation opportunities to be enhanced.

3. Identify the partners that will be actively and substantively involved in the project. Describe the existing or anticipated role and contribution of each. Support letters that detail the project partners and the nature of intended involvement are strongly encouraged.

4. Provide other examples of support for the project including: recognition in local, regional and state plans; endorsements from elected officials and boards; supportive public votes or surveys; grants and other funds awarded; or media coverage.

5. Describe the kind of assistance you are seeking from RTCA staff. (For examples of the kinds of technical assistance RTCA staff can provide, click on “What we do”).

6. Describe how the project provides connections to and/or enhances other natural/recreational resources in the region; connections to nearby National Parks; how project will engage youth; and name any NPS partners and/or health partners.

Project Background and Context

• Provide a map showing the project location. Briefly summarize the area’s relevant natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and outdoor recreational resources.
• Describe public participation in the project so far, and any future plans.
• Name primary partners and key individuals involved to date.
• Outline the history and prior activity on the project (if any) and its current status. (If known), what is the expected completion date of the project?
• Which aspects of your project are going well? Where does your project need the most help?

Contact Information:

For communities located in California, Hawai‘i and Nevada

Barbara Rice, Program Leader
NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
1111 Jackson Street Suite 700
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 817-1449

For communities located in Idaho, Oregon and Washington

Michael Linde, Program Leader, RTCA & Grants
NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
909 First Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 220-4113

The Northwest Discovery Water Trail and Lower Columbia Water Trail meet at Bonneville Lock and Dam. RTCA helped partners establish public access to more than 250 sites along 500 miles of shoreline.

Photo by Sarah Krueger