RECREATION

Recreation is the fastest growing use of public lands. To meet this demand, government agencies increasingly rely on partnerships to help deliver quality outdoor recreation opportunities. Partnerships with non-profit organizations, friends groups, the private sector, and others are leveraging essential expertise, resources, and time for projects that benefit people and the environment.

Partners help build trails, recruit volunteers, provide visitor services, lead nature walks, and more. Diverse stakeholders also collaborate with land managers to develop recreation plans, such as Off-Highway Vehicle trail designations, that meet local environmental, socioeconomic, and other needs.

Whether focused on hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, skiing, camping, kayaking, or another favorite activity, partners can use the tools on this page to find ideas, funds, and other partnership resources.

Organizations and Programs

Key national initiatives and groups are highlighted below to provide inspiration and resources to budding partnerships. Also visit Find Partners for listings of potential partners for your local projects.

• Americans for Our Heritage and Recreation is a broad and diverse organization that works to revitalize the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program.
• Leave No Trace is dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships.
• National Public Lands Day is an annual event that brings volunteers together to improve the country's largest natural resource - our public lands. This site provides information about how communities and agencies can get involved in projects.
• National Trails Day is a celebration of the trails that allow us access to the natural world for exercise, study, photography, camping, relaxing or solitude. The event is an excellent opportunity to partner with local organizations and reach out to the public.
• Tread Lightly is a growing nonprofit organization that promotes responsible enjoyment of the outdoors through education and stewardship. The website provides government agencies with educational materials, ethics training, restoration funding, networking opportunities, and many other tools.
• Many organizations coordinate service trips for volunteers to assist land managers with recreation or other types of projects. These include trail work, habitat restoration, research, and other projects. (Also see our Volunteers page.) Partner organizations include:
  • Student Conservation Association
  • Take Pride in America

Partners in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley are engaging kids in the care and enjoyment of local National Forests, improving the health of the community’s children and its natural resources. Read about these partners... [PDF, 2 pages]

Information and Training

• Toolbox For the Great Outdoors (American Recreation Coalition and partners). An exciting resource for connecting Americans to their public lands. With tools and examples, the website guides land managers and NGOs to new partners and resources. It highlights millions of dollars in available funding for enhancing visitor services and outdoor recreation.
• USDA Forest Service Recreation. Provides up-to-date information on new initiatives and policies, partner activities, recreation opportunities, and fees and access to National Forests and Grasslands. See also:
  • Interpretive Associations Coordinator Contacts
  • Travel Management and Off-Highway Vehicle Program
  • Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Special Uses
  • Recreation.gov

Publications and Guides

• Special Places - A Travel and Tourism Planner's Guide to Your National Forests [PDF document]

Funding

• For funding opportunities related to Recreation, visit the PRC Funding page.