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About
Us
Under
Section 203 (k)(2) of Public Law 91-485, as amended (40 U.S.C.
484 (k)(2)), the National Park Service's Federal Lands to Parks
Program conveys surplus federal land to communities,
usually at no cost, for public park and recreation purposes.
Over 1,400 properties, approximately 150,000 acres, have been
transferred to state and local governments for parks and recreation
areas since the program's inception in 1949. The Program also
helps assure continued public access and stewardship of
resources.
What
We Do
The
Federal Lands to Parks Program: Reviews land and facilities
eligible for acquisition; identifies important natural, cultural,
and recreational resources; assists the community in getting
land from the federal government, from finding out, applying,
and getting ownership; advocates on behalf of the community
for acquisition of the appropriate land; and ensures permanent
public recreational use and stewardship of the land conveyed
for park use.
Program
Results
By
participating in the Federal Lands to Parks Program, communities
throughout the nation have
- Expanded
park and recreational amenities to play sports, improve
quality of life, help revitalization efforts and attract
businesses
- Protected
open spaces, extended hiking trails, and opened boating
and fishing access
- Preserved
historical and natural resources such as forts and lighthouses,
shorelines and wildlife habitat
- Converted
abandoned military bases into widely used productive
recreational asset
- Renewed
a sense of community among neighbors through community
gardens, senior and cultural centers, local parks, and other
gathering places
The National
Park Service also houses the Historic
Surplus Property Program,
a related program specifically for historic properties, and
the Maritime
Heritage Program which
will provide information on historic light stations.
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