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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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