In more great news for the National Park Service, they were awarded almost $900,000 in grant funds for the 2010 fiscal year. With these funds, the NPS will be able to move forward on different projects in 17 parks and forests across the country.
The Connect Trails to Parks grant program was started last year to honor the 40th anniversary of the National Trails System. This year the grant will provide a total of $873,000 to help fund various projects across the country, many involving the improvement of trails, educational services, and the development of trailhead designs.
What exactly will the NPS use this funding for? National Parks Traveler provides a breakdown for you. Here are a few of the larger projects:
- Rocky Mountain National Park and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail will receive $59,750 to build a kiosk, pavillion, and signage at Grand Lake.
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail will be provided $45,205 to develop an educational program (Explore the Outdoors, Your Life Depends on It) in Great Falls, Montana.
- Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey will use $100,000 to complete compliance of the Wallkill River bridge (part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail).
- Across the country, national forests will receive a portion of the funding ($100,000) to further develop educational programs managed by the USDA Forest Service.
Jon Jarvis, National Park Service Director said in a statement released by the NPS that the grants from Connect Trails to Parks will “translate into better experiences for trail and park visitors.”
