The American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) outlines requirements for appraisal and appraisal review concerning Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants. These guidelines stress that appraisals should occur within 12 months of the transaction's closing, and federal funds cannot be accessed until the appraisal documents are submitted. Contracts for appraisals must adhere to Uniform Guidance regulations, ensuring that appraisers possess valid licenses as Certified General Appraisers. Compliance with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (UASFLA) is mandatory, with particular emphasis on identifying appraisal problems, engaging with landowners, and adhering to specific appraisal principles such as the Before and After Rule and assessments of highest and best use. The document serves as a resource for both applicants and recipients, clarifying essential obligations and procedural standards necessary for utilizing federal funds effectively in battlefield land acquisitions.

The NPS American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) has developed a Standard Easement Checklist as part of its Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant initiative to ensure the preservation of historically significant battlefields. The checklist outlines three primary categories of requirements: Statutorily Required Provisions, Grant Agreement Required Provisions, and Suggested Provisions (Best Practice). Key elements include authorizations related to the ABPP’s legal framework, acknowledgment of historic significance, conservation values, and perpetual easement duration. It mandates a Baseline Documentation Report to assess current property conditions and prohibits subdivisions or unapproved constructions that could compromise the site’s integrity. Requirements for public access, signage recognizing federal funding, and provisions for archaeological surveys are also stipulated. Additionally, it emphasizes limitations on resource extraction and mandates that any transfer of property or easement must be reported to the ABPP for approval. This checklist serves as a comprehensive guide for ensuring that federal grants and easements align with preservation goals, protect historic sites, and maintain public interest in the historic significance of these areas.

The National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP) outlines mandatory easement language required for lands funded through its Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant program, focused on preserving historical battlefields. The document specifies that easements involving nonprofit Grantees and nonprofit or private Grantors must include prescribed terms to adhere to statutory and grant agreement obligations. Notably, these easements aim to maintain preservation and conservation values indefinitely. Key stipulations include the necessity for a Baseline Documentation Report, a Preservation Plan approved by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), restrictions on ground disturbing activities, and limitations on new developments to those outlined in the Preservation Plan. Moreover, activities must protect archaeological resources, stipulating that any archaeological work must comply with standards set by the Secretary of the Interior. The document emphasizes the involvement of state authorities in oversight, ensuring compliance with local conservation laws, and mandates protection for any discovered human remains. This comprehensive regulatory framework serves to safeguard historical significance while permitting limited activities that align with preservation objectives.

The National Park Service (NPS) is offering the FY2025 Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant (BLAG) to support the preservation of significant battlefield lands associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. The grant program aims to enhance community-driven stewardship and is supported by $17.4 million in funding, anticipated to provide approximately 24 awards with no fixed minimum or maximum amounts. Applicants must be state or local governments, requiring a 50% non-federal cost share for any awarded project. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis until December 31, 2025, emphasizing historical significance, preservation strategies, and sustainable future use. Key eligibility criteria include projects focused on properties located outside National Park System boundaries. The funding aims to protect and provide public access while adhering to preservation standards set by the NPS, including perpetual easements on acquired properties. Additionally, robust reporting and administrative requirements are mandated to ensure accountability and effective use of federal funds. Successful applicants will contribute to and enhance public understanding of these historically significant locations as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.