BLM OR WA (WO) National Trails System Development | Apply Online

National Trails System Development (BLM OR/WA) Grant (Funding Opportunity Number L15AS00151) - FAQs

1) What is the BLM OR WA (WO) National Trails System Development grant opportunity?

It is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) discretionary funding opportunity offered through a cooperative agreement to support projects that advance the purposes of the National Trails System Act of 1968. The opportunity is intended to strengthen trail stewardship on the ground and the systems that sustain stewardship over time.

2) What is the funding opportunity number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is L15AS00151.

3) What law or authority does this funding opportunity support?

The opportunity supports work carried out under the authorities and purposes of the National Trails System Act of 1968.

4) What is the overall goal or core objective of the program?

The core objective is to facilitate nonprofit partner and volunteer involvement across the full lifecycle of National Trails System work. This includes efforts related to acquisition, protection, operations, planning, development, maintenance, and management activities authorized by the National Trails System Act.

5) Is this grant only for physical trail construction or maintenance?

No. While trail development and maintenance can be part of it, the opportunity explicitly anticipates a wide range of deliverables beyond construction, including capacity-building and long-term stewardship improvements.

6) What kinds of projects and deliverables does BLM expect or allow under this opportunity?

The opportunity anticipates deliverables such as conferences, workshops, and public events; development of plans, strategies, and other guiding documents; creation of communications or media products that support trail awareness and stewardship; and capacity-improvement programs, including programs focused on youth engagement.

7) What stages of trail work are supported (the "full lifecycle")?

Supported stages include acquisition-related efforts, protection, operations, planning, development, maintenance, and management activities conducted under National Trails System Act authorities.

8) Why does the opportunity emphasize volunteers and nonprofit trail organizations?

The National Trails System Act of 1968 explicitly emphasizes the role of volunteers and private, nonprofit trail organizations in developing and maintaining the nation’s trails, and directs federal agencies to encourage and assist citizen involvement in trail planning, development, maintenance, and, when appropriate, management. This opportunity is designed in that spirit.

9) What public benefits does BLM highlight for projects funded through this opportunity?

BLM highlights benefits including increasing public awareness, strengthening shared ownership, deepening engagement with public lands and trails, improving or expanding trail access and trail use, and supporting understanding of cultures, cultural diversity, and U.S. history connected to trail corridors and associated resources.

10) What does "vicarious experiences" mean in the context of this program?

It refers to projects that help people enjoy and appreciate trails even when they are not physically on them, such as through interpretive materials or media.

11) Is youth involvement a priority for this grant opportunity?

Yes. A stated priority is youth involvement, including increasing youth awareness and participation in healthy outdoor activity and connecting that activity to the arts, history, and sciences.

12) What resource protection outcomes does the opportunity aim to support?

The opportunity aims to improve the identification, protection, preservation, monitoring, and public enjoyment of trail resources and values, including the settings, assets, and primary trail uses that make specific trails and segments meaningful.

13) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.225 (Recreation Resource Management).

14) What activity category is this funding listed under?

It is listed in the Natural Resources activity category.

15) How much total funding was estimated to be available?

The estimated total funding available was $350,000.

16) How many awards were anticipated?

The listing indicates an anticipated single award.

17) What were the expected minimum and maximum award amounts?

Individual award amounts were expected to range from $1 to $35,000 (award floor and ceiling).

18) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement is noted in the provided information.

19) Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as "unrestricted," meaning it was open to any type of entity, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications that may have appeared in the full announcement materials.

20) When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was originally posted on June 8, 2015, and the application closing date was August 7, 2015.

21) Is this an active grant opportunity today?

No. The listing includes an archive date of June 8, 2016, indicating it is a historical listing rather than an active competition.

22) What type of funding instrument was used?

The program was offered through a cooperative agreement.

23) Where did applicants access the full announcement and application materials?

The notice directed users to download materials via the application section of the posting.

24) Who was the BLM contact listed for grants and agreements questions?

The listed contact was Walter Ullrey, Grants and Agreements Specialist. Phone: 503-808-6302. Email: wullrey@blm.gov.

25) What kinds of outcomes does the opportunity aim to achieve related to outdoor recreation demand?

The opportunity is designed to help meet growing outdoor recreation demand while promoting preservation, access, travel, and enjoyment of outdoor areas and historic resources.