The application deadline for the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program is August 1, 2010.

As the application deadline is only a few months away, and the NPS will be attending the July meeting, it is recommended that the CRV Trail group begin drafting the application and compiling the supporting documentation now. This will allow for a couple of weeks after the July meeting to review/finalize the application and get it submitted on time.

The following is a summary of the important points and links to the necessary documents for members to review.

All CRV Trail group members and anyone else that may be interested in assisting, is encouraged to contribute to the work on the application. Your support would be appreciated.

Primary Source

• NPS RTCA Program Website

Important Documents

•  RTCA Application 102.92 Kb
•  RTCA Application Guidelines 122.03 Kb 
• Program FAQ

Key Points

• Application Deadline: August 1, 2010 for assistance beginning October 1, 2011
• The program does NOT provide funding. Instead of money, the RTCA program supplies a staff person with extensive experience in community-based conservation to work with a local group on a project.
• The RTCA program provides technical assistance to its project partners. RTCA staff help with building partnerships to achieve community-defined goals, assessing resources, developing concept plans, engaging public participation, and identifying potential sources of funding for conservation and outdoor recreation projects.
• The RTCA program does not own or manage any of the resources it helps local groups protect; that is the job of the local organization. RTCA staff assists in developing management goals and finding partners and funding sources for management activities.
• RTCA are trained and can assume the role of facilitator, to insure that as many people from different parts of the community -- citizen and business groups, local and state government agencies, etc. -- are involved as possible in helping reach consensus on a plan of action.
• RTCA staff can connect with their national partners for additional support.
• Assistance is provided for one year and may be renewed for a second year, if warranted

Application Process/Tasks

• Applicant should schedule a field visit at least 2-weeks prior to submitting an application
• Submit maps depicting the project area, general trail corridor, and identifying relevant natural/outdoor recreation resources
• Compile support documentation
  

  Supporting language in local, regional and state plans, endorsements from elected officials and boards, supportive votes or public survey results, other grants or awards received, or examples of media coverage. Letters of support are welcome. Describe public participation, if any, in the project so far, and any future public participation plans

• Compile any press the project has already received
• Compile a summarized history of the organizations previous actions
• List current/future partners involved and describe how they are actively and substantively involved in the project
  

  Because partnerships are key to the success of community-based projects a minimum of three support letters from partners are required. Letters should identify the type of commitment, cooperation, and cost-sharing each partner will offer the project. Support letters should explicitly note if they are a health, youth, or NPS related partner.
  

• Describe the kind of assistance we are seeking from RTCA staff
• Application should be brief (no more than 2-pages, excluding supporting documentation/attachments)
• Project selection is announced in November 2010 after passage of federal budget

Application Evaluation Criteria

• The project has specific, partner-defined goals and results expected in the near future (miles of trail)
• The project protects or improves important natural resources or enhances outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Roles and contributions of project partners are substantive and well-defined.
• There is evidence of broad community support for the project.
• The anticipated role for RTCA is clear and appropriate.

RTCA Strategic Themes (at least 1 must apply)

• Provide physical connections among resources
• Include both natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation
• Partner with and/or connect to National Parks/Monuments, National Heritage Areas, National Trails, Wild & Scenic Rivers)
• Partner with a health organization
• Engage youth