IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management National Operations Center (NOC) Recreation and Visitor Services Program

Background
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) National Operations Center (NOC) oversees the Recreation and Visitor Services Program, which aims to enhance recreational opportunities and experiences on public lands. This program supports local economies and conservation efforts, managing approximately 1 in every 10 acres in the U.S. for multiple uses, including recreation.

The BLM's Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation outlines a strategy to address increasing visitation and its impacts by diversifying funding, embracing partnerships, and improving access to recreational opportunities. This grant opportunity is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, focusing on ecosystem restoration projects within designated BLM Restoration Landscape areas.

Grant Details
The grant will support projects that aim to: increase access to BLM public lands; enhance recreational opportunities; improve visitor satisfaction at BLM sites; collect visitor data through inventories and assessments; conduct monitoring and planning on BLM lands; locate and survey significant caves; provide enriched visitor services including education and information dissemination; protect visitor health and safety; improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities; enhance motorized and non-motorized trails; foster partnerships in tourism and conservation; strengthen relationships with Tribal nations; engage diverse stakeholders; enhance responsible recreation messaging; develop training programs.

Projects must align with BLM priorities, including environmental justice, climate resilience, and equitable access to outdoor recreation.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), public housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (not federally recognized), nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), and private institutions of higher education. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible. Cost sharing is not required but is encouraged.

Period of Performance
Projects funded under this grant can have a performance period ranging from one year up to five years.

Grant Value
$800,000

Place of Performance
Projects must be conducted within designated BLM Restoration Landscape areas.