What is Hydropower Assistance?

The National Park Service provides technical assistance on Hydropower Licensing Proceedings of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Applicants for FERC hydropower licenses are required to consult with NPS about:

• Recreational resources (includes land management and aesthetic issues)
• Historic and archeological values

NPS primarily makes recommendations about:

• Recreation access and facilities
• Instream flows for recreation
• Riparian corridor and conservation buffer zone protection

NPS has authority to require mandatory conditions, but only for select units of the National Park system, depending on the authorizing legislation.

NPS provides technical assistance to all participants in FERC proceedings:

• Identifies issues and works to resolve potential problems between industry and recreational user groups
• Works with local interest groups, industry, and state and other federal agencies
• Assists NPS units affected by hydropower licenses, upon request

Additional Information and Resources

Project Example

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joan Harn, NPS Rivers and Hydro Leader
E-mail: joan_harn@nps.gov