Application Site Development and Boundary Map

A very important element of any Recreational Grant Program Project is the site development or boundary map. Federal and State regulations require that property acquired or developed with Recreation Grant Program funds remain in public outdoor recreation use forever.

Conversion of any assisted property to other than outdoor recreation uses requires the approval of the Department of the Interior and the Department Of Natural Resources and may require replacement of the assisted property. Replacement of assisted property is a lengthy and complex process and can be avoided with accurate boundary maps.

The purpose of the boundary map is to clearly show the exact boundaries of the property to be assisted with state or federal funds. Once agreed upon by all concerned parties, the boundary map illustrates the property that remains under contract forever with the appropriate grant program and its requirements.

It is very important that project sponsors plan their project boundaries carefully. Known future public improvements, such as wells, lift stations, or road improvements should be excluded from project boundaries. Project boundaries should include only that property which the sponsor intends to manage for public outdoor recreation purposes forever.

In many cases the site development map and boundary map can be one in the same. A site development map should be to scale. It should indicate north, surrounding land uses, existing and proposed utilities, and existing and proposed facilities. It should illustrate the easements of record along with who prepared the map and the date prepared.

The project area may be identified by deed references, adjoining ownerships, adjoining water bodies or other natural landmarks, metes and bounds or Government survey. In most cases, a formal survey of the project area will not be required.

Remember, the purpose of the boundary map is to define the area that will remain, under contract with a state or federal program, in public outdoor recreation use forever. Time spent in preparing an accurate boundary map to avoid future conversions is a wise investment of time by local sponsors.