Pony Express National Historic Trail - Trail Management (U.S. National Park Service)

Challenge Cost Share Program

The purpose of the annually funded Challenge Cost Share Program (CCSP) is intended to increase participation by qualified partners in the preservation and improvement of National Park Service natural, cultural, and recreational resources; in all authorized Service programs and activities; and on national trails. NPS and partners should work together on projects with mutually beneficial, shared outcomes.

The CCSP is a matching fund program. An equal amount of eligible and matching share (minimum 50%) of cash, goods, or services from non-federal sources is required. The maximum CCSP award is $30,000. Projects selected should generally be able to be completed within one year.

One-third of the CCSP pot is earmarked for National Trails System Projects. Thus supporting work under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241-51), such as: National Scenic and Historic trails, National Scenic and Historic Trails in parks, National Recreation Trails, and rail-trail projects.

For additional information about this program and the application process, please follow this link to the Challenge Cost Share Program Application and Forms page.

Certifying a National Historic Trail Site

National Historic Trails cross thousands of miles of public and private lands. Along those miles are physical traces of trail history, such as wagon ruts, graves, inscriptions, and campsites - places that tell about that history, such as museums and visitor interpretive centers. Many such traces and places are found on state lands, in nature preserves, in city parks, on private ranches, and even in suburban back yards.

These important pieces of trail history can be publicly commemorated and protected through the National Park Service (NPS) site certification program.

As the owner or manager of a certified trail site, segment, museum, or interpretive center located near a congressionally designated National Historic Trail, you can request guidance from NPS experts in many specialities. In addition, all trails partners may apply for Challenge Cost Share Program matching funds to help protect a trail property, make it accessible, research its history, or tell its story.

The Acrobat Reader PDF document - How to Certify Your National Historic Trail Property - further explains the program and the process for site certification.

National Trails System Program

In 1968, Congress enacted the National Trails System Act and in 1978, National Historic Trail designations were added. The National Historic Trails System commemorates these historic routes and promotes their preservation, interpretation and appreciation. This link will provide more indepth information about the national trails system program.

Comprehensive Management and Use Plan

Any organization or individual interested in reviewing the Comprehensive Management and Use Plan for protecting, interpreting, and developing the California National Historic Trail will find this document useful.

The plan, finalized in 1999, is available either in printed form or as an Acrobat Reader digital document. It includes not only the California NHT, but also the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, and the Pony Express trails as well.

It is a large PDF document, approximately 19.4mb in size, that can either be downloaded onto your computer station or you may contact the National Trails System Office in Salt Lake City if you would like to have a printed copy mailed to you. Acrobat Reader is required for viewing the document if downloaded.

Comprehensive Management & Use Plan (19.4mb PDF document)