[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 19, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41731-41733]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-15360]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Application Guidelines for the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation 
Assistance Program

AGENCY: National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Guidelines for States, local governments and non-profit 
organizations wishing to receive National Park Service assistance for

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river conservation, trail development, and open space protection.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation 
Assistance Program, also known as RTCA or Rivers & Trails, works with 
community groups and local and State governments to conserve rivers, 
preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways. RTCA works in 
urban, rural, and suburban communities with the goal of helping 
applicants achieve on-the-ground conservation successes for their 
projects. Our focus is on helping communities help themselves by 
providing expertise and experience from around the nation. From urban 
promenades to trails along abandoned railroad rights-of-way to wildlife 
corridors, our assistance in greenway efforts is wide ranging. 
Similarly, our assistance in river conservation spans downtown 
riverfronts to regional water trails to stream restoration.
    RTCA staff assistance includes help in building partnerships to 
achieve community-set goals, assessing resources, developing concept 
plans, engaging public participation, and identifying potential sources 
of funding. On occasion RTCA provides its assistance in collaboration 
with regional and national nonprofit organizations to further local 
conservation initiatives. Although RTCA does not provide financial 
assistance to support project implementation, we do offer technical 
assistance to community partners to help them achieve their goals. 
Project partners may be non-profit organizations, community groups, 
tribes or tribal governments, and local or State government agencies. 
Assistance is for one year and may be renewed for a second year if 
warranted.
    We recommend that you contact our regional program staff to discuss 
your interest and seek guidance before applying. Applications for RTCA 
assistance are competitively evaluated by our regional offices, based 
on how well the applications meet the following criteria:
    (1) A clear anticipated outcome leading to on-the-ground success;
    (2) Commitment, cooperation, and cost-sharing by interested public 
agencies and non-profit organizations;
    (3) Opportunity for significant public involvement;
    (4) Protection of significant natural and/or cultural resources and 
enhancement of outdoor recreational opportunities; and
    (5) Consistency with the National Park Service mission and RTCA 
goals (see ``supplementary information'').
    Application letters (one to three pages) should include the 
following information:
    (1) Project Title and Description: Provide the name of the project 
and project location. Note who is taking responsibility for the 
implementation of the project. Describe briefly what will be done, why 
the project is important, the proposed schedule, and who will be 
involved. Identify what populations in your community will be served by 
the project. Outline the background or prior activity on the project 
(if any), and the current status.
    (2) Resource Importance: Describe the most important natural, 
cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources within the 
project area.
    (3) Anticipated on-the-ground Results: What specific resource will 
be created, conserved, enhanced or made available to the public? For 
Instance: How many river miles will be improved by restoration 
projects? How many river miles will be conserved with enhanced 
protection status? How many miles of multi-use trail will be created? 
How many acres of parkland will be created and where? How many acres of 
wildlife habitat will be restored?
    (4) Other Anticipated Accomplishments: For example: an increased 
community commitment to stewardship, a new conservation organization, 
or the development of a concept plan for a trail.
    (5) Support for the Project: Describe the support you anticipate 
from interested stakeholders, such as public agencies, nonprofit 
organizations, and landowners. List the project partners and describe 
their role(s) and contributions.
    (6) Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program Role: 
Describe what kind of technical assistance or role you are seeking from 
the RTCA program.
    (7) Contact Information: Provide information about the key project 
supporter(s), including name of leader, organization, address, phone, 
fax, and e-mail.
    Support letters from elected officials, community leaders, and 
cooperating organizations are strongly recommended.
    Unfortunately, limited staffing does not allow us to undertake all 
of the excellent projects that are proposed.

DATES: The national deadline for projects set to start the following 
fiscal year (which runs from October 1 to September 30) is July 1. 
Regional RTCA offices may request additional information and may extend 
the deadline or accept applications at other times during the year. 
Final project selection is generally completed in early November after 
passage of the federal budget. In the interim our staff will 
acknowledge receipt of your application.

ADDRESSES: Please return your completed application letter to your 
regional RTCA Program Leader. Contact information for all of our 
regional offices is available through the Internet at http://www.nps.gov/rtca. Alternately, you may submit your application to: 
Chief, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, National 
Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, MS 3622, Washington, DC 20240, or by 
e-mail to [email protected]. If submitted to Washington, your 
application will be forwarded to the appropriate regional office for 
review.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Regional RTCA Offices, as noted above, 
or you may also call us at 202-565-1200. For more information about 
RTCA and the work we are doing around the country and in your State, 
including case studies and regional contact information, please visit 
our web site at http://www.nps.gov/rtca.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Mission and Plan

    The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and 
cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the 
enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. 
The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of 
natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation 
throughout the country and the world. Mission of the National Park 
Service, 1997.
    The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (RTCA) 
implements the Service's mission in communities across America. RTCA's 
vision for the 21st Century is a network of protected rivers, trails, 
and greenways that promote quality of life and link Americans to their 
natural and cultural heritage in parks and beyond.

RTCA Goals

    Increase Protection for Rivers and Open Space and Help Establish 
More Trails and Greenways.
    (1) Assist communities in establishing trail networks.
    (2) Work to protect rivers and streams--their ecosystems and 
watersheds.
    (3) Encourage statewide and regional conservation strategies.
    (4) Promote Federal interagency coordination that benefits 
conservation.

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Strengthen Community Conservation Advocacy, Partnerships, and 
Stewardship

    (1) Help establish sustainable conservation organizations.
    (2) Assist the communities of which National Parks are a part.
    (3) Support conservation partnerships in obtaining funding and 
other resources.

Enhance Conservation and Recreation Opportunities for All Americans

    (1) Engage in projects which reflect the nation's cultural 
diversity.
    (2) Undertake partnership projects in urban and underserved areas.
    (3) Establish a strong presence in every State.
    (4) Build a staff that represents America's cultural diversity.

    Dated: May 9, 2002.
Samuel N. Stokes,
Chief, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.
[FR Doc. 02-15360 Filed 6-18-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P