The National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) provides an Appraisal and Appraisal Review Resource for Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant applicants and recipients. This resource outlines requirements and best practices for real estate appraisals and reviews, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Key timing guidelines state that appraisals and reviews should occur within 12 months of the transaction's closing, and no federal funds can be drawn before their submission to ABPP. Contracts for these services must adhere to Uniform Guidance regulations for competition and procurement. Appraisers must be Certified General Appraisers, and all appraisals and reviews must follow the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (UASFLA or Yellow Book), with specific attention to identifying the appraisal problem, meeting with landowners, addressing the Before and After Rule for partial acquisitions, sales history, larger parcel definitions, and highest and best use determinations. This resource serves as a guide for grant recipients to navigate the appraisal process accurately and compliantly.

The National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP) mandates specific easement language for lands protected with federal financial assistance under the Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant program. This applies when a nonprofit is the easement holder (Grantee) and a nonprofit or private entity/individual is the landowner (Grantor). The required terms, which cannot be altered without NPS ABPP approval, ensure the perpetual protection of battlefield preservation values. Key requirements include the Grantee being a qualified 501(c)(3) organization with resources for monitoring, the State's public interest in battlefield preservation, and adherence to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act regarding land conversion. The document also details the necessity of a Baseline Documentation Report and a SHPO-approved Preservation Plan, outlining permitted and restricted activities such as general and residential uses, ground disturbance, new improvements, work on existing resources, tree management, utilities, and archaeological investigations. Specific protocols for the treatment of archaeological resources, artifacts, and human remains are also included, emphasizing protection, proper handling, and adherence to state and federal guidelines.

The National Park Service (NPS) American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) is offering Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants (BLAG) for FY2026, with an estimated total funding of $17,400,000 for approximately 24 awards. These grants, authorized by the American Battlefield Protection Act and funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, aim to preserve Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield lands through fee-simple or easement acquisitions. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments and organizations, and 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) nonprofits. A dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match is required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until December 30, 2026, and must include a Project Narrative, detailed Budget Narrative, and various supporting documents such as willing seller documentation and an easement holder letter. Projects are evaluated based on historical significance, resource analysis, threat assessment, preservation strategy, future sustainability, and applicant qualifications. Successful applicants must comply with LWCF non-conversion requirements, provide public access, and ensure perpetual preservation of the acquired lands, often through a preservation easement held by a State Historic Preservation Office or an approved nonprofit.