Become a Certified Partner
Certification is a partnership that helps landowners protect and preserve their historic trail properties and share them with others. The certification process begins when a landowner or manager invites staff from the national historic trail's administering agency (the National Park Service or the Bureau of Land Management) to evaluate a property's historical significance and condition.
Benefits
Certification partners are prioritized to receive a variety of benefits, including trail products, technical assistance, project funding and assistance, and recognition as associated with the congressionally designated National Historic Trail, you can request guidance from trails staff in many specialties.
Eligibility
If the site has played a role in trail history, and the owner will allow at least occasional public access, the partners together prepare a certification agreement. The process of becoming a certified trail partner is a collaborative effort between a property owner and the administering agency(s) of the trail.
The National Trails Office only certifies partners along the ten national historic trails it administers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more!
We know you have questions about this partnership! Here are some common ones.
The partnership certification program formalizes the cooperation of non-federal landowners and managers with trail administrator(s) to sign, develop, interpret, and provide public access to trail historic sites, trail segments and trail-focused interpretive facilities, in effect increasing public awareness and enjoyment of national historic trails. The partnership certification program allows trail administrator(s) to prioritize the allocation of time and resources to sites and facilities owned or managed by organizations or individuals who share the common goal of facilitating public use and enjoyment of NHTs. Partnership certification gives formal recognition to these partners for their contribution to the National Historic Trail and builds relationships between them and trail administrator(s).
The federal trail administrator(s) recognizes certification as an ongoing relationship with trail partners. The trail administrator(s) strives to favorably maintain that relationship to attain mutually desired goals related to trail preservation, site preservation, and interpretation. While many of the following benefits are offered in general to a broad range of trail partners, the trail administrator(s) takes certification into consideration in its prioritization of potential projects and assistance.
Visit the partnership certification benefits page for detailed information.
Visit the partnership certification benefits page for detailed information.
The partnership certification program is offered for free to trail partners, and most of the benefits offered are provided for free as well. There may be some costs associated with use of the trail logo, site signage, or interpretive waysides. NTIR designs, fabricates, and ships signs and wayside materials for free, but does not install them on the site. It is the sole responsibility of the site manager/owner to arrange for installation of these materials.
No. Certified partners retain all legal rights to the property associated with the partnership, and nothing in the certified partnership agreement shall be construed as granting any legal authority to the trail administrator(s) over the property or any action undertaken by the certified partner.
However, if actions undertaken by the certified partner impact the initial partnership certification eligibility, the trail administrator(s) may initiate termination of the partnership agreement. See FAQ “What if a certified partnership is no longer the right fit?” below for more information.
However, if actions undertaken by the certified partner impact the initial partnership certification eligibility, the trail administrator(s) may initiate termination of the partnership agreement. See FAQ “What if a certified partnership is no longer the right fit?” below for more information.
Typically, it takes 4-6 months from your initial interest in certification to become a certified partner.
Contact the National Trails Office, Regions, 6, 7, 8 (ntir_information@nps.gov) to indicate your interest in the partnership certification program.
The partnership certification process is as follows:
Step 1. Initial Contact
Initial communication between National Park Service-National Trails Office (NTIR) and potential partner
-
NTIR learns about potential certified partners in various ways: while traveling along the trails, from trail partners, from trail co-administrators, while working on trail projects, etc.
Initial Meeting with Potential Partner
-
Discuss criteria, benefits, goals, and associated site or trail segment readiness.
-
Clarify partner expectations and timeline.
-
Identify materials needed for evaluation.
-
If partner is interested in proceeding, NTIR sends a follow up email with:
-
Links to certification webpage
-
Certification property data form fillable PDF
-
Other requested information
Step 2. NTIR Evaluation
Potential partner submits requested property data form and documentation. This kicks off internal NTIR evaluation process
-
NTIR reviews completeness and may request clarifications or additional documentation.
-
NTIR assesses eligibility against certification criteria.
-
NTIR confirms accuracy and relevance of provided materials.
-
NTIR may conduct a site visit, if necessary.
-
Evaluate site conditions.
-
Document observations to support final determination.
-
NTIR completes Certification Evaluation Form (internal) and submits to NTIR management for input.
-
For Trail of Tears NHT, evaluation form is also sent to the president and executive director of the Trail of Tears Association
-
Review takes approximately 3 weeks to complete
NTIR Superintendent Review
-
Once input has been received and incorporated, NTIR Superintendent reviews final evaluation form and recommendations and makes decision to proceed or not.
-
This final step may occur quarterly or as needed.
Step 3. Final Certification
If Moving Forward
-
NTIR prepares draft Certification Agreement for partner review.
-
Once final agreement is ready, it is sent to partner to sign and return.
-
If certification is for a co-administered trail, the agreement is next sent to the co-administrator to sign and return.
-
Old Spanish NHT and El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro NHT only
-
NTIR Superintendent signs last.
-
NTIR distributes the fully executed Certification Agreement to all parties:
-
Partner
-
Trail Association President and Manager
-
All National Trails Office employees/co-trail administrator, if applicable
If NOT Moving Forward
-
NTIR communicates the reasons for not moving forward.
-
NTIR will determine whether partnership certification is possible in the future and outline next steps if applicable.
Step 4. Follow-Up Tasks
-
Coordinate updates to digital web presence for the certified partner and associated site.
-
Arrange participation in the passport stamp program if eligible.
-
Provide and distribute trail materials as appropriate.
-
Coordinate site identification signage.
-
Update mapping information and GIS layers.
Partnership certification agreements do not expire. They can be terminated if the certified partner chooses to end the partnership, or if the associated property changes ownership and the new owner has no interest in continuing the partnership. From time to time, signed agreements should be reviewed and partners should be contacted to evaluate how well the partnership is working, and to determine whether any modifications to the agreement are in order.
The certified partnership agreement may be canceled by any party at any time by providing written notice to the other parties. The trail administrator(s) and the partner agree, whenever possible, to identify issues or concerns early to allow for resolution.
Contact the National Trails Office, Regions, 6, 7, 8 (ntir_information@nps.gov) to discuss canceling an existing partnership certification agreement, if desired. The trail administrator(s) may also take initiative to cancel a partnership certification agreement if necessary.
Contact the National Trails Office, Regions, 6, 7, 8 (ntir_information@nps.gov) to discuss canceling an existing partnership certification agreement, if desired. The trail administrator(s) may also take initiative to cancel a partnership certification agreement if necessary.
Details Needed for Certification
Property Data Form
Partnership certification connects to a site along a national historic trail. It can be an interpretive site or a place historically connected to the trail. You can provide the details needed in an email or a document.
- Date:
- Property Name:
- City, State, and County of Property:
- How is this site referred to publicly?
- Primary Contact (name, work phone, home phone):
- Mailing address:
- Email:
- Is the contact (select one):
- Owner
- Designated manager
- Other (describe)
- Secondary Contact Information (Optional):
- Property owner information (if different from contact):
- Name of property owner:
- Address
- Phone and email:
- City and state of property owner:
- Name and title of person(s) providing site information (including NPS staff):
- Site Manager (name and title), if different from above:
- Site type (select one):
- Trail site
- Trail segment (less than one half mile)
- Interpretive facility
- Other (describe):
- Address and location of property (including GPS coordinates or map attachment):
- National Historic Trail(s) associated with the property:
- Estimate area (size) of property or trail segment to be certified:
- Type of ownership (select one):
- Private landowner
- Non-profit organization
- City
- County
- State
- Business organization
- Other (explain):
Describe the historical association with trail/and or description of trail-related interpretation on site (for historic sites, please submit historical documentation and photos; for interpretive facilities, provide photos ofexisting trail interpretation):
Historic features related to the NHT (identify any present):
- Ruts/swales/trail trace
- Historic paved street or road
- Historic walkway, stairs, etc.
- Historic railroad
- Historic signs, lampposts, etc.
- Bridge or bridge site
- Ferry site
- Boat Landing
- Grave, cemetery
- Spring/waterhole
- Historic building, open to public
- Historic building, closed to public
- Historic structure, open to public
- Historic structure, closed to public
- Building or structure ruin
- Historic campsite
- Natural landmark
- Stone alignment
- Historic natural landscape
- Historic agricultural landscape
- Blazed tree
- Cairn
- Other
Facilities and exhibits related to NHT currently on-site (identify and rate condition as follows):
1 - nearly exclusively trail-related; 2 - significantly trail-related; 3 - moderately trail-related; 4 - only slightly trail-related
1 - nearly exclusively trail-related; 2 - significantly trail-related; 3 - moderately trail-related; 4 - only slightly trail-related
- NHT logo
- NHT-related signs
- NHT-branded trailhead
- Orientation exhibit
- Outdoor exhibits
- Wayside exhibits (outdoor, interpretive)
- Interactive exhibits
- Plaques, markers
- Statuary/artwork
- NHT-related film
- Research library
- Nature trail
- NHT-related interpretive trail
- NHT-related cemetery
- Volunteer staff
- Paid staff
- Museum staff
Other accommodations (identify any that are present):
- Off-road parking
- Roadside parking
- Hardened walkway
- Dirt/gravel trail
- Viewing platforms
- Public restrooms
- Shade shelter
- Potable water
- Trash cans
- Indoor seating
- Outdoor seating
- Camping
- NPS passport stamp
- Food service
- Picnic facilities
- Wheelchair accommodations
- Vending machines
- Other
- List current and intended continuing uses of the property (e.g., grazing, cultivation, fallow, commercial, visitation, etc.):
- Select all interpretive or visitor needs that apply:
- Site plan/design (limited, moderate, extensive)
- Trail brochure and passport stamp station
- Historic research/documentation
- Trail or road directional signs
- Trail or site identification sign
- Wayside exhibits (outdoor interpretive panel)
- Site bulletin
- Parking
- Trail construction
- Wheelchair accommodations
- Trail site shelter
- Restroom
- Fencing/screening
- Describe any safety concerns (e.g., parking, traffic, livestock, electric fences, open wells, unstable buildings, etc.):
- Describe any accessibility concerns (e.g., no ramps, no hardened trails, narrow doorways, interior stairs, etc.):
- Describe any imminent changes (unrelated to certification) in the use or development of the property.
- List any known or potential threats to historic resources such as ruts, graves, etc (e.g., vandalism, development, erosion, unauthorized vehicle traffic):
The property owner or designated manager may specify reasonable limitations on use of the certified property, e.g., establishing visiting protocols and points of access; prohibiting motor vehicles, metaldetectors, and pets; limiting group size; barring entry to buildings; etc.
Entrance fees (identify any costs, if applicable):
- List or attach any stipulations
- Advise owners/managers to notify the trails office of changes..
Entrance fees (identify any costs, if applicable):
- per visitor/day
- per vehicle
- NA
- other (please explain)
Miss Mary's Historical Museum
Salina, UT
Type of Property: Interpretive Facility
Owner: City of Salina
General
This agreement represents the Secretary of the Interior's acknowledgment that it is in the public interest to work cooperatively with the City of Salina and Miss Mary’s Historical Museum, located at 204 S 100 E, Salina, Utah 84654, to encourage the protection, operation, development, and maintenance of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail and to support public understanding and appreciation of trail resources and history.
The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Salina voluntarily agree to strive to achieve the highest level of resource protection and visitor appreciation of Old Spanish National Historic Trail resources and history through interpretation and public engagement at Miss Mary’s Historical Museum.
The City of Salina retains all legal rights to the property, and nothing in this agreement shall be construed as granting any legal authority to the National Park Service and/or the Bureau of Land Management over the property or any action undertaken by the City of Salina.This agreement may be canceled by any party at any time by providing written notice to the other parties. The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Salina agree, whenever possible, to identify issues or concerns early to allow for resolution.
This agreement will remain in effect unless canceled by any party or until ownership of the property associated with this agreement is transferred to another entity.
Signatures
I hereby agree to this partnership certification in support of Miss Mary’s Historical Museum as an official interpretive facility associated with the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.
[City of Salina, UT]
[Miss Mary’s Historical Museum, Date]
On behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, I certify this partnership certification in support of Miss Mary’s Historical Museum as an official interpretive facility on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.
[Patrick Malone, Superintendent, Date]
National Park Service – National Trails Office
[Rob Sweeten, Date]
Old Spanish Trail Administrator
Utah Historic Trails Lead
Bureau of Land Management - Utah State Office
Salina, UT
Type of Property: Interpretive Facility
Owner: City of Salina
General
This agreement represents the Secretary of the Interior's acknowledgment that it is in the public interest to work cooperatively with the City of Salina and Miss Mary’s Historical Museum, located at 204 S 100 E, Salina, Utah 84654, to encourage the protection, operation, development, and maintenance of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail and to support public understanding and appreciation of trail resources and history.
The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Salina voluntarily agree to strive to achieve the highest level of resource protection and visitor appreciation of Old Spanish National Historic Trail resources and history through interpretation and public engagement at Miss Mary’s Historical Museum.
The City of Salina retains all legal rights to the property, and nothing in this agreement shall be construed as granting any legal authority to the National Park Service and/or the Bureau of Land Management over the property or any action undertaken by the City of Salina.This agreement may be canceled by any party at any time by providing written notice to the other parties. The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Salina agree, whenever possible, to identify issues or concerns early to allow for resolution.
This agreement will remain in effect unless canceled by any party or until ownership of the property associated with this agreement is transferred to another entity.
Signatures
I hereby agree to this partnership certification in support of Miss Mary’s Historical Museum as an official interpretive facility associated with the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.
[City of Salina, UT]
[Miss Mary’s Historical Museum, Date]
On behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, I certify this partnership certification in support of Miss Mary’s Historical Museum as an official interpretive facility on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.
[Patrick Malone, Superintendent, Date]
National Park Service – National Trails Office
[Rob Sweeten, Date]
Old Spanish Trail Administrator
Utah Historic Trails Lead
Bureau of Land Management - Utah State Office
Last updated: September 10, 2026