NPS
Become a Certified Partner
Certification is a partnership that helps non-federal landowners and managers protect and preserve their historic trail properties and share them with others. The certification process begins when a landowner or manager invites staff from the National Historic Trail's administering agency to evaluate a property's historical significance and condition, or the associated property's ability to provide appropriate trail interpretation.
Benefits
Certified partners are prioritized to receive a variety of benefits, including trail products, technical assistance, project funding and assistance, and recognition as associated with the congressionally designated National Historic Trail. Certified partners can request guidance from trails staff in many specialties.
Eligibility
To be recognized as a historic property managed by a certified partner, the property must have direct, significant, and documented historic association with one or more national historic trails. Additionally, the land manager must allow at least occasional public access. Managers of interpretive facilities such as museums, libraries, and other public repositories of trail history are also eligible for partnership certification. The associated facilities must offer appropriate trail interpretation or materials for the public and be physically located in close proximity to the related national historic trail. The process of becoming a certified trail partner is a collaborative effort between a property owner and the federal administering agency(s) of the trail.
National Trails Intermountain Region only certifies partners along the ten national historic trails it administers or co-administers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more!
We know you have questions about this partnership! Here are some common ones.
The partnership certification program formalizes an agreement between non-federal landowners and managers and federal trail administrator(s) to sign, develop, interpret, and provide public access to trail historic sites, trail segments and trail-focused interpretive facilities. This, in effect, increases public awareness and enjoyment of national historic trails (NHTs). The partnership certification program allows the federal trail administrator(s) to prioritize the allocation of time and resources to trail properties and facilities owned or managed by organizations or individuals who share the common goal of facilitating public use and enjoyment of NHTs. Partnership certification gives formal recognition to these partners for their contribution to a national historic trail and builds relationships between them and federal trail administrator(s).
The federal trail administrator(s) recognizes partnership certification as an ongoing relationship with trail partners. The federal trail administrator(s) strives to favorably maintain that relationship to attain mutually desired goals related to trail preservation, site preservation, and interpretation. Certified partners can receive, if eligible, a broad range of benefits.
Visit the partnership certification benefits page for detailed information.
If you share the common goal of facilitating public use and enjoyments of NHTs, then this program may be for you!
Visit the partnership certification benefits page for detailed information.
If you share the common goal of facilitating public use and enjoyments of NHTs, then this program may be for you!
Partners that own or manage historic sites, trail segments, and/or interpretive facilities are the basis for partnership certification when they meet the following criteria:For Associated Historic Sites and Segments:
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The site or segment must be non-federally owned and/or managed.
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The site or segment must have direct, significant, and documented association with one or more national historic trails, in accordance with each trail’s enabling legislation (see the National Trails System Act for more information).
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Historic sites or segments must be on or very near (within one mile of) the trail’s designated alignment, and historical association with a national historic trail must fall within the trail’s designated period of significance.
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The partner(s) must make the site or segment available to some degree for public access and appreciation.
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Where applicable, the site or segment must meet accessibility requirements as mandated by federal law. The federal trail administrator(s) may provide guidance for improving accessibility, if needed.
For Associated Interpretive Facilities:
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The facility must be non-federally owned and/or managed.
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The interpretive facility must be physically located near (generally within three miles of) the related National Historic Trail.
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The interpretive facility must host substantive, permanent, and accurate collections or display substantive, permanent, and accurate interpretation related to the national historic trail.[AS1]
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The interpretive facility must be regularly and predictably open to the public.
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The facility must meet accessibility requirements as mandated by federal law. The federal trail administrator(s) may provide guidance for improving accessibility, if needed.
The partnership certification program is offered for free to eligible trail partners, and most of the benefits offered are provided for free as well. There may be some costs associated with use of the trail logo, site signage, or interpretive waysides. National Trails Intermountain Region designs, fabricates, and ships signs and wayside materials for free, but does not install them on site. It is the sole responsibility of the property manager/owner to arrange for installation of these materials.
No. Certified partners retain all legal rights to the property associated with the partnership. Nothing in the certified partnership agreement shall be construed as granting any legal authority to the federal trail administrator(s) over the property or any action undertaken by the certified partner.
However, if actions undertaken by the certified partner(s) impact the initial partnership certification eligibility, the federal trail administrator(s) may initiate termination of the partnership agreement. See FAQ “What if a certified partnership is no longer the right fit?” below for more information.
However, if actions undertaken by the certified partner(s) impact the initial partnership certification eligibility, the federal trail administrator(s) may initiate termination of the partnership agreement. See FAQ “What if a certified partnership is no longer the right fit?” below for more information.
Typically, it takes 4-6 months from your initial interest in certification to become a certified partner.
Contact National Trails Intermountain Region (ntir_information@nps.gov) to indicate your interest in the partnership certification program.
The partnership certification process is as follows:
Step 1. Initial Contact
Initial communication between National Trails Intermountain Region (NTIR) and the potential partner(s)
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NTIR learns about potential certified partners in various ways: while traveling along the trails, from trail partners, from trail co-administrators, while working on trail projects, etc.
Initial meeting with potential partner(s)
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Discuss criteria, benefits, goals, and associated property readiness.
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Clarify partner expectations and timeline.
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Identify documentation needed for evaluation.
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If partner is interested in proceeding, NTIR sends a follow up email with:
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Links to partnership certification webpage
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Request for property data
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Other requested information
Step 2. NTIR Evaluation
Potential partner submits requested property data form and documentation. This kicks off internal NTIR evaluation process
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NTIR reviews information for completeness and may request clarifications or additional documentation.
NTIR assesses eligibility against certification criteria.
- NTIR may conduct a site visit, if necessary.
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Evaluate property conditions.
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Document observations to support final determination.
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NTIR completes Certification Evaluation Form (internal) and submits to NTIR management for input.
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For Trail of Tears National Historic Trao;, evaluation form is also sent to the President and Executive Director of the Trail of Tears Association
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Review takes approximately 3 weeks to complete
NTIR Superintendent Review
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Once input has been received and incorporated, NTIR Superintendent reviews final evaluation form and recommendations and makes the decision whether to proceed.
Step 3. Final Certification
If moving forward:
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NTIR prepares draft Certification Agreement for partner(s) to review.
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Once final agreement is ready, it is sent to the partner(s) to sign and return.
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If certification is for a co-administered trail, the agreement is next sent to the federal co-trail administrator to sign and return.
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Old Spanish National Historic Trail and El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail only
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NTIR Superintendent signs last.
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NTIR distributes the fully executed Certification Agreement to all parties:
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Certified partner(s)
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Trail Association President and Manager/Executive Director
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All NTIR employees and federal co-trail administrators, if applicable
If NOT Moving Forward
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NTIR communicates the reasons for not moving forward.
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NTIR will determine whether partnership certification is possible in the future and outline next steps if applicable.
Step 4. Follow-Up Tasks
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Coordinate updates to digital web presence for the certified partner and associated property.
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Arrange participation in the passport stamp program if eligible.
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Provide and distribute trail materials as appropriate.
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Coordinate site identification signage as appropriate.
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Update mapping information and geographic information system (GIS) layers.
Partnership certification agreements do not expire. They can be terminated if the certified partner(s) choose(s) to end the partnership, or if the associated property changes ownership and the new owner has no interest in continuing the partnership. From time to time, signed agreements should be reviewed and partners should be contacted to evaluate how well the partnership is working, and to determine whether any modifications to the agreement are in order.
The certified partnership agreement may be canceled by any party at any time by providing written notice to the other parties. The federal trail administrator(s) and the partner(s) agree, whenever possible, to identify issues or concerns early on to allow for resolution. The federal trail administrator(s) may also take initiative to cancel a partnership certification agreement, if necessary.
Contact National Trails Intermountain Region (ntir_information@nps.gov) to discuss canceling an existing partnership certification agreement, if desired.
Contact National Trails Intermountain Region (ntir_information@nps.gov) to discuss canceling an existing partnership certification agreement, if desired.
Details Needed for Certification
Property Data Form
Partnership certification acknowledges the significance of an associated property to a national historic trail. It can be an interpretive facility or a place historically connected to the trail. You can provide the following details needed in an email or or in a separate document. You can also contact National Trails Intermountain Region for assistance in providing this information.
- Date:
- Property Name:
- City, State, and County of Property:
- How is this site referred to publicly?
- Primary Contact (name, work phone, home phone):
- Mailing address:
- Email:
- Is the contact (select one):
- Owner
- Designated manager
- Other (describe)
- Secondary Contact Information (Optional):
- Property owner information (if different from contact):
- Name of property owner:
- Address
- Phone and email:
- City and state of property owner:
- Name and title of person(s) providing site information (including NPS staff):
- Site Manager (name and title), if different from above:
- Site type (select one):
- Trail site
- Trail segment (less than one half mile)
- Interpretive facility
- Other (describe):
- Address and location of property (including GPS coordinates or map attachment):
- National Historic Trail(s) associated with the property:
- Estimate area (size) of property or trail segment to be certified:
- Type of ownership (select one):
- Private landowner
- Non-profit organization
- City
- County
- State
- Business organization
- Other (explain):
Describe the historical association with trail/and or description of trail-related interpretation on site (for historic sites, please submit historical documentation and photos; for interpretive facilities, provide photos ofexisting trail interpretation):
Historic features related to the NHT (identify any present):
- Ruts/swales/trail trace
- Historic paved street or road
- Historic walkway, stairs, etc.
- Historic railroad
- Historic signs, lampposts, etc.
- Bridge or bridge site
- Ferry site
- Boat Landing
- Grave, cemetery
- Spring/waterhole
- Historic building, open to public
- Historic building, closed to public
- Historic structure, open to public
- Historic structure, closed to public
- Building or structure ruin
- Historic campsite
- Natural landmark
- Stone alignment
- Historic natural landscape
- Historic agricultural landscape
- Blazed tree
- Cairn
- Other
Facilities and exhibits related to NHT currently on-site (identify and rate condition as follows):
1 - nearly exclusively trail-related; 2 - significantly trail-related; 3 - moderately trail-related; 4 - only slightly trail-related
1 - nearly exclusively trail-related; 2 - significantly trail-related; 3 - moderately trail-related; 4 - only slightly trail-related
- NHT logo
- NHT-related signs
- NHT-branded trailhead
- Orientation exhibit
- Outdoor exhibits
- Wayside exhibits (outdoor, interpretive)
- Interactive exhibits
- Plaques, markers
- Statuary/artwork
- NHT-related film
- Research library
- Nature trail
- NHT-related interpretive trail
- NHT-related cemetery
- Volunteer staff
- Paid staff
- Museum staff
Other accommodations (identify any that are present):
- Off-road parking
- Roadside parking
- Hardened walkway
- Dirt/gravel trail
- Viewing platforms
- Public restrooms
- Shade shelter
- Potable water
- Trash cans
- Indoor seating
- Outdoor seating
- Camping
- NPS passport stamp
- Food service
- Picnic facilities
- Wheelchair accommodations
- Vending machines
- Other
- List current and intended continuing uses of the property (e.g., grazing, cultivation, fallow, commercial, visitation, etc.):
- Select all interpretive or visitor needs that apply:
- Site plan/design (limited, moderate, extensive)
- Trail brochure and passport stamp station
- Historic research/documentation
- Trail or road directional signs
- Trail or site identification sign
- Wayside exhibits (outdoor interpretive panel)
- Site bulletin
- Parking
- Trail construction
- Wheelchair accommodations
- Trail site shelter
- Restroom
- Fencing/screening
- Describe any safety concerns (e.g., parking, traffic, livestock, electric fences, open wells, unstable buildings, etc.):
- Describe any accessibility concerns (e.g., no ramps, no hardened trails, narrow doorways, interior stairs, etc.):
- Describe any imminent changes (unrelated to certification) in the use or development of the property.
- List any known or potential threats to historic resources such as ruts, graves, etc (e.g., vandalism, development, erosion, unauthorized vehicle traffic):
The property owner or designated manager may specify reasonable limitations on use of the certified property, e.g., establishing visiting protocols and points of access; prohibiting motor vehicles, metaldetectors, and pets; limiting group size; barring entry to buildings; etc.
Entrance fees (identify any costs, if applicable):
- List or attach any stipulations
- Advise owners/managers to notify the trails office of changes..
Entrance fees (identify any costs, if applicable):
- per visitor/day
- per vehicle
- NA
- other (please explain)
Miss Mary's Historical Museum
Salina, UT
Type of Property: Interpretive Facility
Owner: City of Salina
General
This agreement represents the Secretary of the Interior's acknowledgment that it is in the public interest to work cooperatively with the City of Salina and Miss Mary’s Historical Museum, located at 204 S 100 E, Salina, Utah 84654, to encourage the protection, operation, development, and maintenance of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail and to support public understanding and appreciation of trail resources and history.
The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Salina voluntarily agree to strive to achieve the highest level of resource protection and visitor appreciation of Old Spanish National Historic Trail resources and history through interpretation and public engagement at Miss Mary’s Historical Museum.
The City of Salina retains all legal rights to the property, and nothing in this agreement shall be construed as granting any legal authority to the National Park Service and/or the Bureau of Land Management over the property or any action undertaken by the City of Salina.This agreement may be canceled by any party at any time by providing written notice to the other parties. The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Salina agree, whenever possible, to identify issues or concerns early to allow for resolution.
This agreement will remain in effect unless canceled by any party or until ownership of the property associated with this agreement is transferred to another entity.
Signatures
I hereby agree to this partnership certification in support of Miss Mary’s Historical Museum as an official interpretive facility associated with the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.
[City of Salina, UT]
[Miss Mary’s Historical Museum, Date]
On behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, I certify this partnership certification in support of Miss Mary’s Historical Museum as an official interpretive facility on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.
[Patrick Malone, Superintendent, Date]
National Park Service – National Trails Office
[Rob Sweeten, Date]
Old Spanish Trail Administrator
Utah Historic Trails Lead
Bureau of Land Management - Utah State Office
Salina, UT
Type of Property: Interpretive Facility
Owner: City of Salina
General
This agreement represents the Secretary of the Interior's acknowledgment that it is in the public interest to work cooperatively with the City of Salina and Miss Mary’s Historical Museum, located at 204 S 100 E, Salina, Utah 84654, to encourage the protection, operation, development, and maintenance of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail and to support public understanding and appreciation of trail resources and history.
The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Salina voluntarily agree to strive to achieve the highest level of resource protection and visitor appreciation of Old Spanish National Historic Trail resources and history through interpretation and public engagement at Miss Mary’s Historical Museum.
The City of Salina retains all legal rights to the property, and nothing in this agreement shall be construed as granting any legal authority to the National Park Service and/or the Bureau of Land Management over the property or any action undertaken by the City of Salina.This agreement may be canceled by any party at any time by providing written notice to the other parties. The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Salina agree, whenever possible, to identify issues or concerns early to allow for resolution.
This agreement will remain in effect unless canceled by any party or until ownership of the property associated with this agreement is transferred to another entity.
Signatures
I hereby agree to this partnership certification in support of Miss Mary’s Historical Museum as an official interpretive facility associated with the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.
[City of Salina, UT]
[Miss Mary’s Historical Museum, Date]
On behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, I certify this partnership certification in support of Miss Mary’s Historical Museum as an official interpretive facility on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.
[Patrick Malone, Superintendent, Date]
National Park Service – National Trails Office
[Rob Sweeten, Date]
Old Spanish Trail Administrator
Utah Historic Trails Lead
Bureau of Land Management - Utah State Office
Last updated: November 2, 2026