Recreation Sites and Visitor Services: Creating Quality Recreation Experiences (US)

Objectives

• Project ideas need to be of mutual benefit to local USDA Forest Service units and partners and fill local recreation needs. Work must comply with applicable USDA Forest Service standards and to training and certification requirements. USDA Forest Service has the ultimate say as to where a project would be implemented and the standards that would need to be met. USDA Forest Service would provide project oversight and facilitate coordination with other relevant partners and to other program areas as needed, such as watersheds, botany, cultural resources, etc.
• Potential projects could include:
  • Clean restrooms, pick up litter, remove trash, and provide other such services at developed recreation sites and/or at trailheads.
  • Replace or recondition signs and/or information kiosks at developed recreation sites or trailheads. Replace or install signs and blazes along trails.
  • Maintain recreation infrastructure such as parking lots, picnic tables, outbuildings, etc. Work could include power-washing, sanding, painting, staining, re-striping, etc.
  • Serve as recreation ambassadors: monitor sites and activities, conduct public engagement, walk trails, and note where there are maintenance needs, etc. Report findings back to the local USDA Forest Service office.
  • Conduct trail maintenance work such as brushing, logouts, and drainage clearing. Work must comply with USDA Forest Service standards; workers must meet all sawyer qualifications.
  • Complete trail condition surveys and trail bridge inspections and/or conduct facility condition surveys at developed recreation sites. Work must comply with USDA Forest Service protocols for data collection and reporting; inspector certifications may be required.
  • Complete erosion mitigation and/or stream bank stabilization to protect recreation infrastructure and improve climate resiliency.

Priorities

• Priority will be given to projects that are designed to support the USDA Forest Service in the following areas:
  • Enhance sustainable recreation opportunities;
  • Make recreation infrastructure more resilient and promote safety;
  • Identify workforce development opportunities;
  • Build diversity and inclusion;
  • Enhance community economic opportunities;
  • Support, benefit, or engage communities that are historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality (pursuant to Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government).

Duration

• Awards under this announcement are typically 1 to 5 years in length. Projects of greater complexity may be awarded for a longer period, not to exceed 5 years.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible applicants include for profit; non-profits; institutions of higher education; federal, state, local, and Native American tribal governments; foreign governments and organizations and special purpose districts (public utility districts, fire districts, conservation districts, school districts, and ports).

For more information, visit Grants.gov.