Application and Technical Assistance

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Application and Technical Assistance


Common Questions


When are NRT designations awarded?

The timeline is as follows:

November 1: Deadline for submittal of current year's online NRT applications.

  • NRT Program Coordinator checks new applications
  • Sends e-mail confirming receipt of applications
  • Contacts applicants for missing items, questions, or clarifications.

November 15: Applications proceed to field review.

  • Regional NRT contact or Federal agency NRT Manager reviews application
  • Makes follow-up contact with applicant to request additional information and/or site visit if necessary
  • December 31: Regional NRT Manager or Federal agency NRT Manager provides recommendation to DOI NRT Program Coordinator.

February 1: DOI NRT Program Coordinator forwards the recommended trails for approval by the Secretary of the Interior.

June of following year - National Trails Day: New NRT designations announced

  • Department of the Interior sends news release officially announcing new NRT designations
  • Local announcements and designation events
  • Newly designated trails are added to the online searchable database of NRTs
  • Certificate, Secretarial letter, and trail markers mailed to each newly designated NRT

What if I can't make the deadline?

Contact John Cannella ([email protected]) with National Park Service to inquire if an extension is possible or to have your application held-over for the following year.

Who can apply for National Recreation Trail designation?

Any public or private trail manager operating a trail that meets the definition and criteria below may apply for NRT designation.

What kinds of trails are eligible?

A trail is a travel way established either through construction or use and is passable by at least one or more of the following, including but not limited to: foot traffic, stock, equestrian, watercraft, bicycles, in-line skates, wheelchairs, cross-country skis, off-road recreation vehicles such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, and four-wheel drive vehicles. Roads and highways suitable for passenger car travel are not eligible for NRT designation.

What are the criteria for NRT designation?

The trail must be open to public use, have no gaps, and be designed, constructed, and maintained according to best management practices, in keeping with the use anticipated. Trails that demonstrate state-of-the-art design and management are especially encouraged to apply for NRT designation. The trail is in compliance with applicable land use plans and environmental laws. NRT designation must be supported in writing by the landowner(s), public or private, upon whose land the trail tread exists. For adjacent landowner(s), letters of support are encouraged but written approval is not required.


Technical Support


System Requirements/Recommendations

Screen Size: We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080. Phones and tablets are not recommended.

Browser support: Windows and macOS
Firefox 67+
Chrome 63+
Safari 11.1+
Edge 79+

Javascript must be enabled. Ad-blockers or popup-blockers must be disabled.

I'm having an issue with the website

If you need technical assistance, you may contact:

Mike Bullington
[email protected]


Program Contacts


For applications involving the Bureau of Land Management, please contact Dave Jeppesen at 801-539-4233 or [email protected].

For applications involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, please contact Scott Strotman at 202-761-0036 or [email protected].

For applications involving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, please contact Maggie O’Connell at 703-358-1883 or [email protected]

For applications involving the USDA Forest Service, please contact Brenda Yankoviak at 720-618-0262 or [email protected].

For applications involving the National Water Trails designation, please contact Corita Waters at 202-354-6900 or [email protected].

For all other applications, please contact your National Park Service (NPS) regional NRT manager:

AK

Michael Downs

907-644-3587

[email protected]

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CA, ID, OR, WA, HI, NV

Anne Dove

213-248-035

[email protected]

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AZ, CO, MT, NM, OK, TX, UT, WY

Attila Bality

505-346-2871 x213

[email protected]

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OH, MI, IN, IL, MN, WI

Andrea Irland

440-717-3775

[email protected]

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AR, MO, IA, KS, NE, SD, ND

Ashley Newson

402-206-4392

[email protected]

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WV, VA

Nathan Hilbert

540-340-2235

[email protected]

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MA, CT, RI

Stephanie Stroud

857-270-3013

[email protected]

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ME, NH, VT

Elizabeth Brown

617-223-5124

[email protected]

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PA, NY, NJ

Shanasia Sylman

267-670-0019

[email protected]

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MD, DC, DE

Natalia Sanchez

857-270-3008

[email protected]

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NC, SC, GA, AL, FL, MS, LA, TN, KY

Joshua Moore

404-507-5696

[email protected]

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