Recreation and Visitor Services

CFDA 15.225 Active Cooperative Agreements (Discretionary Grants)
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$10M FY2026
$8.3M
FY17
$3.8M
FY18
$4M
FY19
$1.6M
FY20
$1.3M
FY21
$5.5M
FY22
$13.3M
FY23
$18.9M
FY24
$2.5M
FY25*
$10M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2024 In FY 2024, the BLM entered into multiple agreements to encourage, facilitate and build healthy communities and economies, advance environmental justice, address the climate crisis, and provide safe and equitable access to outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans. Projects included messaging and resource assistance to promote responsible outdoor recreation; enhance visitor and recreation resource data; and foster improved recreational access for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
FY2025 In FY 2025, the BLM entered into multiple agreements to encourage, facilitate and build healthy communities and economies, advance environmental justice, address the climate crisis, and provide safe and equitable access to outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans. Projects included messaging and resource assistance to promote responsible outdoor recreation; enhance visitor and recreation resource data; and foster improved recreational access for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
FY2026 Unknown at this time.

Program Objective

Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) provide some of the most diverse outdoor recreation opportunities on Federal lands in the western United States. The BLM’s Recreation and Visitor Services Program oversees a broad and complex set of recreation related programs, which provide a multitude of recreation opportunities and experiences. These recreation resources and visitor services support strong local economies and public land conservation. As BLM works to enhance recreational opportunities, we strive to remain a good neighbor and partner. The BLM manages recreation resources and visitor services to offer the greatest benefits possible to individuals and communities and to better enable communities to achieve their own desired social, economic, and environmental outcomes. BLM public lands are now recognized as America’s Great Outdoors, a “Backyard to Backcountry” treasure. They are uniquely accessible. More than 120 urban centers and thousands of rural towns are located within 25 miles of BLM lands. The Recreation and Visitor Services Program provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities that benefit the public and local communities.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Public nonprofits
  • Federally recognized tribes
  • Private nonprofits
  • Native American organizations

How to Apply

Application Procedure

2 CFR, Part 200, Subpart C—Pre-Federal Award Requirements and Contents of Federal Awards. A Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, Standard Form 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs, Standard Form 424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, and a written proposal, budget spreadsheet, a budget narrative/breakdown, and any other requirements specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity Notice and submitted through www.grants.gov. State plan is not required for this application.

Award Procedure

All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by the proposal evaluation criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the funding announcement. State and District Office level and funding recommendations are made through the State's annual work plan. Final budget approvals rest with the State Director.

Award time varies depending on the type and complexity of the project, but should not be more than five years. Further information will be available for each program at the time the Notice of Funding Opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the point of contact listed in the funding opportunity announcement. Most awards are anticipated within 90 days or less after the announcement closes.

Program details & compliance

Description

The program offers opportunities to: increase and enhance access to public lands and waters; increase and enhance recreational opportunities; enhance public satisfaction at BLM recreation sites and areas; improve inventory, assessment and planning on public lands and waters; improve management, administration and monitoring of public lands and waters; provide enriched visitor services, information, interpretation and education; protect visitor health and safety; improve accessibility for persons with disabilities; improve motorized and non-motorized trails including trail construction and maintenance, comprehensive travel and transportation inventory and assessment, planning management and monitoring; enhance community-supported partnerships in tourism and marketing; strengthen relationships with sovereign Tribal nations by increased cooperation on our public lands through the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act. Underscoring the importance of BLM recreation to the American people, the Recreation Management staff collaborate with various partners, volunteers, and youth programs, and engage with stakeholders to ensure access to public lands and work with local communities and partners to identify opportunities that support local economies.

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Projects are used to benefit public lands administered by the BLM. Most of these lands are located in the Western United States and Alaska. Financial assistance can be used for assisting the BLM in the management, protection and/or upgrade recreational resources and related facilities, and in providing related public contact/education opportunities.

Required Documentation

A Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, Standard Form 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs, Standard Form 424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, and a written proposal, budget spreadsheet, a budget narrative/breakdown, and any other requirements specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity Notice and submitted through www.grants.gov.
State plan is not required for this application.

Reporting & Compliance

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Deputy Division Chief — Chief, Recreation Visitor Services Division
385-258-0496
760 Horizon Dr., Suite 102, Grand Junction , CO 81506
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2025-07-31. Spec v1.0. Last synced: 2026-05-30 02:32:01.