FY26 Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services - Bureau wide

The Bureau of Land Management, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is funding projects that improve recreation and visitor services across the 245 million acres of public land it manages. The program will distribute up to 60 awards ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000 each. Projects must enhance how people experience BLM-managed lands, from trail systems and campgrounds to interpretive programs and visitor centers. The BLM is prioritizing work that supports recent federal legislation, including the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, the Great American Outdoors Act, and the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. These laws direct funding toward outdoor recreation infrastructure, conservation projects, and expanding access to public lands. Applicants should design proposals that connect their work to these policy priorities. The BLM manages more public land than any other federal agency, spanning 11 western states plus Alaska. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands for current and future generations. The agency handles everything from energy development and grazing permits to wildfire management and recreation. For this program, the focus is squarely on the visitor experience, which supports rural communities that depend on outdoor tourism dollars. The United States offers a wide range of living environments, from coastal cities to mountain towns to desert communities. Monthly living costs average $1,200 to $2,200 depending on location, housing, and health insurance. International fellows on F-1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during academic terms and may apply for CPT or OPT for off-campus training. The country's regional climates vary dramatically, so where you end up will shape your daily experience.