Groundwork Hudson Valley Conservation and Community Outreach

This announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service's intention to award a task agreement under a previously competed or single source justified master cooperative agreement. Specifically, Groundwork will: 1. That the funds made available through this Agreement will be used to support the work of Groundwork Hudson Valley to improve access to parks, recreation and conserved natural resources through community led projects and programs in New York and to provide technical assistance to other communities working on similar projects and programs in partnership with the National Park Service. 2. That the funds provided under this Agreement cannot be used for construction of specific projects. 3. To support the work of Groundwork Hudson Valley to enhance its river restoration program on the Saw Mill River and/or other urban river restoration programs, which may include the following tasks: a) Coordinate meetings with the city and community partners to identify and assess opportunities for restoring rivers and shorelines in Hudson Valley as an opportunity for stewardship planning, environmental education, community engagement and green job training; b) Identify and research river conservation work to date and inform city and community partners on gaps needed to complete a watershed management plan. c) Support the development of an updated plan for the restoration of the Saw Mill River. d) Assist in planning and organizing volunteer opportunities to assist with the restoration project and gain community input. e) Develop recommendations for future river restoration and planning projects. f) Conduct research to inform the content of interpretive signage along the river g) Provide communications, outreach, and administrative support as needed. 4. To support the work of Groundwork Hudson Valley to develop the Yonkers Greenway program and/or other urban trails, which may include the following tasks: a) Organize meetings with the city and community partners to identify community needs for developing the Yonkers Greenway as an opportunity for environmental education, economic revitalization, green job training and close-to-home recreation for underserved communities; b) Facilitate the findings from the community engagement process into a report of recommendations to the city to inform the final design for the Yonkers Greenway. Compile recommendations for planning, implementing, managing and maintaining an urban trail system. c) Plan and organize volunteer and youth engagement opportunities to advance the Yonkers Greenway community engagement process. d) Provide communications, outreach, and administrative support as needed. 5. To support the work of Groundwork Hudson Valley's youth education programs, which may include the following tasks: a) Provide educational instruction for youth served by Groundwork Hudson Valley's programs; b) Assist in outreach to school groups and other participating organizations; c) Provide communications, outreach, and administrative support as needed. 6. To support the work of Groundwork Hudson Valley to share its experience and technical assistance with other communities that are undertaking similar projects and programs to improve access to parks, recreation and conserved natural resources in partnership with the National Park Service, by accomplishing the following tasks: a) Work with NPS to identify community led projects to improve access to parks, recreation and conserved natural resources that would benefit from the expertise of Groundwork Hudson Valley; b) Assist in the projects of the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program within the New York Area through projects such as the Jamaica Bay Greenway, supporting pathways along the Harlem and Bronx rivers, and pairing with community organizations in order to accomplish future goals; c) Develop work plans with the selected community led projects in consultation with NPS, outlining the type of assistance Groundwork Hudson Valley will provide and what will be accomplished. Work plans will include a statement of work, project goals, roles and responsibilities, time line, and expected outcomes to be achieved with the help of Groundwork Hudson Valley; d) Work with the selected community projects in partnership with NPS to achieve the project outcomes described in the work plans. 7. To document all funding, in-kind services, volunteer hours, materials and equipment leveraged by GWHV for its projects, programs and operations. 8. To maintain a photographic record and list of accomplishments for all projects undertaken by GW Hudson Valley.