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Full Project Proposal Template
A comprehensive template for proposing disc golf course development on BLM land — site assessment, NEPA pathway, cost estimates, and partnership framework.
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Use this template as the foundation for a formal disc golf course development proposal to a BLM field office. Customize every section for your specific site and partnership.
I. Project Summary
- Proposed site name and location (GPS coordinates, legal description)
- BLM field office and district
- Project type: New 9-hole / New 18-hole / Expansion / Accessibility retrofit
- Estimated total cost: $______
- Federal share requested: $______ (via Challenge Cost Share / GNA / other)
- Non-federal match: $______ (in-kind volunteer labor at DOL rates + cash + donated materials)
- Timeline: Design ___months; NEPA ___months; Installation ___months
- Lead partner organization with 501(c)(3) status: ______
II. Alignment with EXPLORE Act Priorities
Address each relevant section:
- Section 112 (recreation inventory): How this site fits underutilized recreation identification
- Sections 214–215 (accessibility): Specific accessible features proposed
- Sections 221–222 (youth/veterans): Planned programming
- Section 131 (gateway communities): Relationship to nearby communities
- Section 341 (volunteers): Volunteer capacity and plan
- Section 351 (GNA): If applicable, county/tribal partner identified
III. Site Assessment
Land use plan conformance
- Current Resource Management Plan designation
- Recreation Management Zone or SRMA/ERMA status
- Consistency with RMP recreation objectives (cite specific sections)
- If not currently designated: identify suitable designation or need for plan amendment
Physical site characteristics
- Acreage (15–25 acres for 18 holes)
- Topography, elevation, aspect
- Vegetation type and density
- Soil type and erosion susceptibility
- Water features, wetlands, floodplain status
- Existing infrastructure (roads, parking, trailheads, restrooms)
Resource conflict screening
- Threatened/endangered species; Section 7 consultation status
- Cultural resources: Class III survey status
- Wetlands/waters: Section 404 CWA triggers
- Visual Resource Management class
- WSA or ACEC proximity
- Active grazing allotments
- Mineral rights/leasing status
IV. NEPA Pathway
Select the recommended approach:
- Categorical Exclusion — If within existing SRMA, no T&E species, no cultural resources, no wetlands, no WSA, total disturbance under 10 acres. Cite EXPLORE Act Section 312 expanded CEs.
- Environmental Assessment — Most likely pathway for new permanent installation. Estimated 12–24 months.
- Environmental Impact Statement — Flag only if significant resource conflicts.
Complete the extraordinary circumstances screening (43 CFR 46.215) for all 12 factors.
V. Course Design Specifications
- Number of holes, total length, par
- Tee pads: Concrete (4’x8’) / Aggregate / Natural
- Baskets: Championship-grade, weather-resistant
- Signage: Tee signs, course kiosk, directional arrows, Leave No Trace messaging
- Dual pin placements (distributes wear across 2+ locations per hole)
- ADA accessibility: Minimum 3 accessible tee pads; accessible paths; signage
- Professional course designer or volunteer design committee
- Design review with field office recreation planner
VI. Partnership and Agreement Framework
Proposed agreement type (select applicable):
- Challenge Cost Share Agreement (CFDA 15.225)
- Good Neighbor Authority Agreement (Section 351, via county/tribal partner)
- Cooperative Agreement (ongoing management)
- Volunteer Agreement (Section 341, for installation labor)
- Special Recreation Permit (for organized events post-installation)
VII. Cost Estimate
| Item | Qty | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Championship baskets | 18 | $400 | $7,200 |
| Concrete tee pads | 18 | $350 | $6,300 |
| Tee signs (weather-resistant) | 18 | $125 | $2,250 |
| Course kiosk with map and rules | 1 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Professional course design | 1 | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| Fairway clearing | Lump | — | $3,000 |
| Erosion control materials | Lump | — | $2,000 |
| Cultural resource survey | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Biological survey | 1 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Parking area improvement | 1 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Accessible features | Lump | — | $5,000 |
| Subtotal | $45,450 | ||
| Contingency (15%) | $6,818 | ||
| Total | $52,268 |
Volunteer-heavy builds can reduce total to $15,000–$25,000.
VIII. Volunteer Labor Plan
- Installation work days: ______ days, ______ volunteers per day
- Volunteer coordination: [Lead organization]
- BLM volunteer agreement: Form 1114-1 or blanket group agreement
- Per Section 341: BLM may NOT require volunteer liability insurance
- Volunteer training: Tool safety, Leave No Trace, BLM site-specific orientation
- Volunteer hours valued at DOL rates for match calculation
IX. Maintenance Agreement
- Partner commits to ______ years of ongoing maintenance
- Minimum ______ volunteer maintenance days per year
- Scope: Basket inspection/repair, sign replacement, tee pad repair, mulching, litter removal, erosion monitoring
- Estimated annual cost: $1,000–$5,000
- Quarterly written reports to field office recreation planner
X. Monitoring and Reporting
- Visitor tracking: UDisc app data + manual trail counter
- Quarterly usage reports
- Annual environmental condition assessment
- Adaptive management: Modify or close holes if resource damage documented
- 5-year comprehensive review with BLM