Do you have an idea for a park, trail, or conservation project? Could you use help building organizational capacity for your outdoor recreation and conservation efforts? The National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) is here to help with planning, design, and technical expertise! The 2024 funding opportunity is now open.

The NPS-RTCA assists communities and public land managers in evolving climate resiliency strategies, developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating recreation opportunities and programs that engage future generations in the outdoors.

Southeast Blueprint user support staff are here to help support your application by looking at alignment with Blueprint priorities, connections to regional corridors and existing trail networks, equity priorities for improving park access, and more! Contact a member of the user support team if you’re interested.

Eligibility: NPS-RTCA welcomes applications from community groups, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Deadline: March 1, 2024, by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time

How to Apply: Visit the website to download an application and view our submission process and timeline. We encourage you to contact a program manager in your state to discuss your project before applying.

Informational Webinar: Thursday, January 25 from 3-4:30 pm ET/12-1:30 pm PT

Attend an informational webinar to learn more about NPS-RTCA and the 2024 application process! Please register using THIS FORM. You will receive a Microsoft Teams invitation with a link to join the webinar in the new year.

For more information about NPS-RTCA, check out our 2-minute video and conservation and outdoor recreation publication of services.