This publication is designed to inform the reader about the services provided by the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.
The National Park Service, through the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA), has supported locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the United States for more than 30 years. NPS-RTCA assists communities in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities and programs that engage future generations in the outdoors. Through an annual application process, community groups, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state, and federal agencies can apply for NPS-RTCA technical assistance.
Following the introduction, pages 4-11 provide a general overview of what we strive to achieve in implementing conservation and outdoor recreation projects, no matter the project type or geographic location.
The following sections highlight the areas in which NPS-RTCA provides assistance. Each focus area features conservation and outdoor recreation projects that we have worked on in the past. These examples help demonstrate how NPS-RTCA collaborates with communities and land managers. The projects we highlight are organized into these five categories:
1 . Building Healthy Communities
2 . Conserving Lands and Waters
3 . Developing Organizational Capacity
4 . Supporting Public Land Management Collaboration
5 . Engaging Youth
The last section of the publication highlights our Groundwork program. Groundwork is a long-term public-private partnership that furthers the National Park Service mission of providing conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities to communities underserved by parks and natural areas.
The National Park Service (NPS) was created in 1916 and today manages over 390 units found in all 50 states and some of the U.S. territories. NPS supports and operates trails in three interlocking arenas: trails in parks, technical assistance to States and communities, and administration of much of the National Trails System.
Wilderness Stewardship Plan Handbook
posted Mar 27, 2024
The purpose of the Wilderness Stewardship Plan Handbook 2014 is to provide direction for creating wilderness stewardship plans, driven by the concept of preserving wilderness character. The Handbook focuses on how to incorporate wilderness policy and wilderness character into a wilderness stewardship plan and also offers a general overview of planning and compliance to be useful for those with and without a professional background in planning.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail: Trail Stewardship Notebook
posted Mar 27, 2024
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail (NST) is a thousand-mile footpath highlighting Wisconsin’s renowned Ice Age heritage and scenic beauty. The Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA) and its partners can shape users’ experiences. As stewards of the land and the Trail, we can help users develop a connection with the land and create a sense of wonder — even pique their curiosity enough to further explore the Trail.
National Wildlife Refuge System Land Protection Project
posted Jul 29, 2020
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with our partners, is charting a course for the future of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Establishment Proposal, Environmental Assessment, Conceptual Management Plan, & Land Protection Plan
posted Jul 29, 2020
This plan establishes the purpose and need for action to develop the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge opened on April 13, 2019.
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