Why National Parks Are Important + Five Grants For Outdoor Recreation

National Parks are parts of America’s past and present. Representing millions of federally managed land, they are hotspots for outdoor recreation and discovery. GrantWatch has a category specifically for sports and recreation grants that includes funding for parks and other outdoor recreational activities. And today, GrantWatch will be sharing five grants specifically to go toward outdoor recreation projects.

Some Background On National Parks

National parks have a long history in the United States. However, they didn’t always exist, especially in the form, they are in now. In fact, the first piece of legislation designating federal land as national parks for the public was signed in 1872. This was known as the Yellowstone Act of 1872, and it established Yellowstone park in the (then) territories of Montana and Wyoming as “a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

Later in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established the National Park Service to consolidate management of America’s federal parklands under one single agency. Today, that agency created over 100 years ago, manages 84 million acres of land all across the United States.

These sites, while called National Parks, may not be exactly what you envision parks to be. Like the Gates of the Arctic, in Alaska. This park is the most untouched land parcel in the world.

Five Grants to Fund Outdoor Recreation Projects

1. Firstly, there are grants of up to $5,000 to North Carolina organizations for the preservation and enhancement of hiking trails. Funding is to support physical projects, capacity building projects, outreach and education, natural heritage and environmental monitoring projects, start-up funding for major public service projects, major one-time needs, and Appalachian Trail community partnerships.
2. Grants to California local government agencies to enhance outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Funding is to support acquisition projects or development projects for public outdoor recreation. This includes the construction of new or renovation of existing outdoor facilities.
3. There are also grants to Maine government agencies, Tribes, and school districts to acquire or develop public outdoor recreational facilities. Funding is to maintain a legacy of high-quality recreation areas and to stimulate non-federal investments in the protection of recreation resources.
4. In addition, there is funding of up to $2,000 to New Hampshire nonprofits and agencies to improve trails and search and rescue operations. Funding will go to proposals for public education, equipment, and group training. The grant program assists organizations that align with the Council’s mission of support for the New Hampshire hiking trail system, search and rescue operations, and projects to prevent the need for search and rescue.
5. Finally, there are grants available to Texas nonprofits for capital improvements to outdoor recreation facilities. Funding will support the construction of new trails, enhance existing trails, create trailside facilities, and acquire trail corridors

GrantNews Notes

Are you looking for more grants like this? Check out our preservation grant category over at GrantWatch.com. There you’ll find grants that aim to support the preservation of public lands, habitats, and nature.

Also, make sure to sign up for a paid subscription to GrantWatch! Subscribers gain access to key tools aimed at helping grant seekers. This includes the exact keyword search tool, which can help to narrow down your grant search.