Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) Recurring 5 Year Notice

The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) is a federal grant program administered by the National Park Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior as part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance Program. The program is designed to support projects that simultaneously expand public outdoor recreation opportunities and promote land uses compatible with military readiness. By focusing on areas near military installations, military airspace, or ecologically related lands, the initiative aims to reduce development conflicts while enhancing environmental resilience and public access to recreation. RARI funding is intended to support projects that include a land acquisition component and are located within designated Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Partnership Opportunity Areas or Sentinel Landscapes. These geographic designations ensure that funded projects align with both conservation priorities and military operational needs. The program also requires applicants to demonstrate coordination with military stakeholders by securing a formal letter of support from a military installation or range commander, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the initiative. The funding structure operates on a cost-sharing basis, with the program typically covering up to 50 percent of total project costs. Applicants are responsible for securing the remaining 50 percent through non-federal contributions, which may include cash, land value, in-kind services, or volunteer labor. However, certain federal funds, specifically those from the Department of Defense Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. In some cases, particularly in insular areas such as Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands, the non-federal match requirement may be waived, allowing for full federal funding. Eligible applicants include state and territorial lead agencies designated under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. These agencies may apply directly or submit proposals on behalf of sub-recipients such as local governments, federally recognized tribes, and special purpose districts. All projects must meet strict program requirements, including the perpetual protection of funded lands for public outdoor recreation use and alignment with statewide recreation planning documents such as the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. The application process requires submission through the designated federal grant system and includes documentation demonstrating eligibility, project alignment with program goals, and a plan to secure required matching funds. While applicants are not required to have matching funds secured at the time of submission, they must provide a clear strategy for obtaining them prior to finalizing a grant agreement. The evaluation process considers factors such as project alignment with federal priorities, recreation impact, conservation benefits, and support for military readiness. The opportunity is structured as a recurring multi-year notice, with applications accepted through late 2030. Projects selected for funding may take up to one year to finalize agreements after selection, particularly to allow time for securing matching funds. The program reflects ongoing federal priorities related to conservation, recreation access, and national defense compatibility, making it a strategic funding source for state-led initiatives that integrate environmental stewardship with public and military benefits.

Ensure alignment with military compatibility goals secure strong letter of support and clearly document matching fund strategy