Bozeman One Of More Than 250 Communities Granted Assistance By The National Park Service’s RTCA Program

The National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program today announced that it will help more than 250 communities with projects that improve local access to nature. 2 out of the 3 projects in Montana will take place right here in Bozeman:

RTCA provides expertise and planning assistance for community-led natural resource and recreation projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Every year, RTCA partnerships develop or conserve about 2,000 miles of trails, 1,000 miles of river, and 70,000 acres of open space and parks.

Two of the projects in Montana this year will be in Bozeman; the Bozeman Creek Enhancement and the East Gallatin Recreation Area. The project goal for the Bozeman Creek Enhancement is to improve the value of Bozeman Creek as a community asset by restoring natural processes, improving water quality and public access, and fostering stewardship. The project goal listed for the East Gallatin Recreation Area is rehabilitation/restoration of 1/4 mile of streamfront along an abandoned landfill, with recreation improvements such as trails, access to the East Gallatin River, and park amenities.

National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said,

One of the major goals of President Obama's America's Great Outdoors initiative is to connect people to nature by expanding recreational opportunities. Through the RTCA program, the National Park Service works with local governments and organizations to provide close to home outdoor experiences for millions of people.

To learn more about the projects in Bozeman or to see a complete list of projects by state, visit nps.gov.