Public lands provide a place for everyone to enjoy nature.
The federal government offers many grants for recreational activities. Most of them are grants for states or local governments to develop sites like parks and trails for public use. Private organizations and nonprofits are eligible to apply for a few of the available grants.
Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program
This grant is funded by the Farm Service Agency, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. State and tribal governments are eligible to apply. The grant's purpose is to encourage individuals who own land to make it available for public use such as hunting, fishing or other state programs for wildlife-dependent recreation. In 2012, the FSA plans to give up to $50 million for this project.
Boating Infrastructure Grant Program
Boats over 26 feet need special consideration.
This grant is available to state governments through the Fish and Wildlife Service. Boats over 26 feet cannot be pulled by a trailer, and funds from the BIG program enable states to build and maintain public facilities for large boats. Some examples of eligible projects are mooring buoys, day-docks, navigational aids, transient slips, safe harbors and refueling services.
Boating Safety Financial Assistance
The Department of Homeland Security also offers grants to help states provide for boating recreation. States that have a Coast Guard-approved boating safety program may apply for this grant. Funds can help pay for expenses related to a boating safety program, including facilities and personnel. Up to 5% of funds from this grant may go to nonprofit organizations that provide public boating safety education or facilities.
Disposal of Federal Surplus Real Property
Under this program, the federal government will sell or donate federal property to state governments and nonprofit agencies at a discount of up to 100% of the property's fair market value. The property must then be used for a public purpose, such as a park, school, government building or recreational facility.
Outdoor Recreation-Acquisition, Development and Planning
The National Park Service offers this grant to help states plan and develop public recreational facilities. No more than half of the budget for a project may be federally funded, but states can use this grant to build facilities like picnic areas, parks, swimming pools and tennis courts. States may also apply for money toward the cost of planning public recreational facilities. Only the state program responsible for maintaining the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan in each state is eligible to apply.
Recreational Trails Program
Public trails are often maintained by federal grant money.
The U.S. Department of Transportation offers this grant to help states maintain recreational public trails. The money may be used for maintaining trails, purchase of maintenance equipment, planning and construction of new trails, land purchase and other related expenses. No more than 80% of a project's cost may come from this grant, but the other 20% may come from other federal grants.
Sport Fish Restoration
Funds for this Fish and Wildlife Services grant come from taxes on sport fishing equipment, pleasure boats and related items. Any U.S. state, Commonwealth or territory agency responsible for wildlife management may apply for a grant. Eligible projects are designed to restore, conserve and manage the populations of sport fish.
Wildlife Restoration
State and local wildlife agencies may apply for this grant from the national Fish and Wildlife Service to restore, conserve and manage wild animals and fish. Grant money may also be used to restore or develop wildlife habitats.
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